On the afternoon of November 28, immediately following a ceremonial welcome at the Presidential Palace, President Luong Cuong met with Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni.

President Luong Cuong extended a warm welcome to King Sihamoni, expressing confidence that the visit would significantly bolster the robust cooperation and development between the two nations.

A legacy of friendship

President Luong Cuong recalled the enduring bonds shared by Cambodia’s late King Father Norodom Sihanouk, Queen Mother Norodom Monineath Sihanouk, and King Sihamoni with Vietnam.

He emphasized Vietnam's deep appreciation for the invaluable support and friendship offered by Cambodia’s leaders and people across generations.

King Norodom Sihamoni praised Vietnam’s achievements during nearly four decades of reform (Doi Moi) and expressed confidence in the leadership of the Communist Party of Vietnam under General Secretary To Lam.

He affirmed that Vietnam’s successes serve as a source of inspiration for Cambodia in its nation-building and development efforts.

Strengthening cooperation

Both leaders underscored the importance of nurturing the close, brotherly relationship between the two nations.

They agreed to expand cooperation across all sectors and promote greater understanding among younger generations of the shared sacrifices, solidarity, and unity that bind Vietnam and Cambodia.

President Luong Cuong expressed his hope that Queen Mother Monineath Sihanouk would visit Vietnam for rest and recreation in the near future. King Sihamoni, in turn, looked forward to hosting President Cuong in Cambodia soon.

The President also urged King Sihamoni and Cambodia’s senior leaders to address outstanding challenges, particularly facilitating citizenship applications for eligible individuals of Vietnamese descent and ensuring stable, lawful living and working conditions for Vietnamese communities in Cambodia.

Meeting with Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh

Later that afternoon, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh also met with King Sihamoni.

The Prime Minister highlighted the shared history of Vietnam and Cambodia, forged through struggles for independence and freedom. He emphasized that the mutual sacrifices and unwavering solidarity between the two nations are invaluable legacies that must be preserved and nurtured.

Prime Minister Chinh reiterated Vietnam’s commitment to fostering comprehensive cooperation and solidarity with Cambodia, offering to share Vietnam’s experiences to support Cambodia’s hosting of the 20th Francophonie Summit in 2026.

King Sihamoni expressed his gratitude for the warm reception and genuine friendship extended by Vietnam’s leaders and people. He described Vietnam’s progress as a source of encouragement for Cambodia and reaffirmed the historical significance of the Vietnam-Cambodia relationship, which he called a deep-rooted and enduring brotherhood.

Continued collaboration and future aspirations

Both sides celebrated the ongoing development of Vietnam-Cambodia relations, particularly in the areas of political-diplomatic, security-defense, and economic cooperation.

Trade and investment remain key drivers of bilateral relations, fostering stronger economic ties. Educational exchanges also serve as a vital bridge, with approximately 3,000 Cambodian students studying in Vietnam and nearly 100 Vietnamese students pursuing studies in Cambodia.

The two leaders agreed to address lingering issues in the spirit of neighborly solidarity and friendship. Prime Minister Chinh emphasized the importance of fostering strong ties among Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos, considering it an objective necessity and a precious asset for all three nations.

He also urged Cambodia to support the establishment and operation of the Vietnam Studies Center at the Royal University of Phnom Penh, envisioning it as a hub for Cambodian and international students to explore Vietnam’s language, culture, and people.

Tran Thuong – Pham Hai