Hanoi – Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh affirmed the Vietnamese Government’s commitment to providing all possible support to the armies of Vietnam and Cambodia, enhancing their exchanges and strategic discussions on national defence and security. This statement was made during a reception in Hanoi on November 13, where the Prime Minister welcomed Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence Gen. Tea Seiha.
According to Vietnam News Agency, the visit of Gen. Tea Seiha coincides with significant occasions in Cambodia: the 70th anniversary of Cambodia’s Independence Day and the founding anniversary of the Cambodian royal army. PM Chinh highlighted Vietnam’s prioritization and continuous development of its relationship with Cambodia, emphasizing traditional friendship, neighborliness, and comprehensive, sustainable cooperation. He expressed support for a peaceful, stable, and prosperous Cambodia, with a growing role and position in the region and the world.
During the meeting, the Prime Minister expressed hope for Cambodia to work closely with Vietnam in effectively implementing high-level agreements. He emphasized the importance of facilitating delegation exchanges, particularly at higher levels, strengthening economic connectivity, human resource training, and building a peaceful and cooperative borderline. PM Chinh also emphasized the need for continued support for the Vietnamese community and businesses in Cambodia, including addressing the legal status of Khmer people of Vietnamese origin, contributing to the mutual development of both nations.
Gen. Tea Seiha, in his response, thanked the Vietnamese Party, State, people, and army for their support in Cambodia’s past struggles and current national development. He informed PM Chinh about the outcomes of his talks with the Vietnamese Minister of National Defence and pledged to enhance public awareness of the Vietnam-Cambodia relationship, particularly among younger generations, to foster responsibility for nurturing bilateral ties.
PM Chinh commended the results of the talks between the defence ministers, noting defence cooperation as a key pillar of the bilateral relationship. He stressed Vietnam’s adherence to its “four nos” defence policy, advocating for continued unity between the two nations and preventing any hostile forces from affecting the solidarity between their Parties and people.
The Prime Minister pledged support for the two armies to promptly and effectively address grassroots-level issues, contribute to building a peaceful and cooperative borderline, and coordinate effectively in providing military counsel to leaders of both countries. This, he affirmed, would further strengthen the bilateral friendship and cooperation between Vietnam and Cambodia.