Also attending the meeting were Deputy Minister Y Thong and leaders of several departments and units under the Ministry of Ethnic and Religious Affairs.

Speaking at the talks, Cambodian Minister Chay Borin expressed his pleasure and sincere appreciation for the warm and thoughtful reception extended by Minister Dao Ngoc Dung to the Cambodian delegation during this working visit.

At the meeting, Minister Dao Ngoc Dung emphasized that the bilateral cooperation agreement signed on February 6, 2026 marked an important milestone of historical significance. It contributes to elevating cooperation between the two ministries in a more in-depth, practical, and effective manner.

The Cambodian minister spoke highly of the tangible outcomes achieved during the visit, particularly the working session in Ninh Binh province, which provided valuable practical experience in state management of ethnic and religious affairs.

Mr. Chay Borin noted: “We are pleased to observe that, based on the bilateral cooperation agreement between the Ministry of Ethnic and Religious Affairs of Vietnam and the Ministry of Cult and Religion of the Kingdom of Cambodia, signed on February 6, 2026 in Phnom Penh under the witness of General Secretary To Lam and President of the Cambodian People’s Party Samdech Techo Hun Sen, cooperation between the two ministries in ethnic and religious affairs continues to be strengthened and developed robustly.”

To effectively implement the signed contents, the Cambodian side has proactively established a dedicated task force to coordinate closely with Vietnam’s Ministry of Ethnic and Religious Affairs.

On this occasion, the Cambodian minister proposed that both sides continue strengthening coordination in building and implementing policies for ethnic minority communities living along the shared border. These efforts aim to improve livelihoods, maintain stability, and promote sustainable development.

He also called for active preparation of a bilateral conference to review, assess, and accelerate the implementation of agreed contents under the cooperation framework.

In addition, Mr. Chay Borin expressed his hope that both sides would promote cooperation programs in preserving and promoting ethnic cultural values, including research and development of ethnic museum models in Cambodia.

Elevating Vietnam-Cambodia cooperation in ethnic and religious affairs

Agreeing with the views shared by the Cambodian minister, Minister Dao Ngoc Dung affirmed that the discussions, especially those reflected in the bilateral agreement, demonstrate a shared determination to strengthen cooperation between the two ministries and contribute to consolidating the traditional friendship between the two nations.

Minister Dao Ngoc Dung stressed: “On February 6, 2026, the two ministries signed a bilateral cooperation agreement under the witness of senior leaders of both countries. This is truly an important milestone with historical significance, contributing to elevating cooperation between the two agencies in a more substantive, practical, and effective direction.”

Like Cambodia, Vietnam consistently identifies ethnic and religious affairs as strategic issues in building and strengthening the great national unity bloc. Vietnam is home to 54 ethnic groups and 16 major religions.

In the context of new development requirements, with a target of achieving double-digit economic growth from 2026 onward, the care, support, and promotion of the role of ethnic minorities and religious organizations have become even more crucial, carrying long-term strategic significance for the country’s sustainable development.

Minister Dao Ngoc Dung noted that under the leadership of successive generations of leaders from both countries, relations between the governments and peoples of Vietnam and Cambodia have increasingly deepened in a practical and effective manner across multiple fields, following the guiding principle of “good neighborliness, traditional friendship, comprehensive cooperation, and long-term sustainability.”

On Vietnam’s side, the minister affirmed a commitment to seriously, fully, and effectively implementing all contents of the signed agreement, ensuring concrete outcomes.

To promote implementation, immediately after Cambodia established its task force, Vietnam’s Ministry of Ethnic and Religious Affairs also issued a decision to form its own task force led by Deputy Minister Y Thong, with participation from leaders of relevant units.

Accordingly, Minister Dao Ngoc Dung proposed that the two task forces maintain regular communication, exchange information, and coordinate closely. They are tasked with advising on the development of annual and phased work programs and plans, as well as proposing specific activities, formats, and implementation roadmaps to effectively carry out the bilateral agreement.

They are also expected to organize cooperative activities as planned, including delegation exchanges, conferences, workshops, training sessions, experience sharing, and other collaborative initiatives in line with the agreement. Coordination with relevant units to prepare content, documents, and necessary conditions for bilateral activities will be essential to ensure effective and practical outcomes.

Minister Dao Ngoc Dung also expressed support for both ministries working together to guide border localities in enhancing exchanges and interactions related to ethnicity, religion, and belief, thereby strengthening solidarity and bonds between the peoples of the two countries.

At the talks, both sides also agreed in principle to promote efforts toward building an ethnic minority museum in Cambodia. Minister Dao Ngoc Dung suggested that Cambodia proactively report to its government to include this initiative in the agenda of the 22nd meeting of the Vietnam-Cambodia Joint Committee, expected to be held in Vietnam.

On Vietnam’s side, he said he would also report and propose that the Vietnamese government support this important cooperation initiative. He further suggested that the museum project should prioritize a location with favorable conditions and strong potential to attract visitors and tourism, and that Cambodia could refer to the operational model of the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology.

On the occasion of the upcoming Chol Chnam Thmay traditional New Year, Minister Dao Ngoc Dung, on behalf of the Ministry of Ethnic and Religious Affairs of Vietnam, extended his best wishes for health to Minister Chay Borin and the people of Cambodia, and wished the delegation a successful visit to Vietnam.

Hoang Quy