The diplomat stressed the rapid development of economic, trade and investment links, adding Vietnam has become one of the leading partners of Cambodia. 

Bilateral trade approximated 3 billion USD in 2016 and is targeted at 5 billion USD in the near future. Vietnam has invested in about 190 projects with total registered capital of 2.89 billion USD in Cambodia. It is also a big source of foreign tourists to Cambodia, 960,000 visitors last year.

The year 2017 is important to Vietnam-Cambodia relations, he said, elaborating that they have been organising a number of activities marking 50 years since the establishment of diplomatic ties, including exchanges of high-ranking delegations. Through those visits, Vietnamese and Cambodian leaders affirmed the resolve to continue reinforcing the two countries’ solidarity, friendship and cooperation.

In his speech, Du underlined enormous achievements Vietnam has obtained since then President Ho Chi Minh read the Declaration of Independence on September 2, 1945, which heralded a new era for the country.

He reiterated the country’s consistent foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, cooperation and development, multilateralisation and diversification of foreign relations, and being ready to be a friend, a trustworthy partner and a responsible member of the international community.

On this occasion, the diplomat appreciated the Cambodian Government and people’s huge and effective support to his country in the fight for national independence and reunification in the past and the national development at present.

For his part, Cambodian Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Prak Sokhonn recognised Vietnam’s rapid economic changes, impressive development and other accomplishments over the past decades, earning it an important role in the region and the world.

He shared the view that 2017 is a memorable year for both Cambodian and Vietnamese people when they mark the 50th founding anniversary of their diplomatic relations and the Cambodia-Vietnam Friendship Year.

The official also noted bilateral cooperation outcomes in trade, investment and land border demarcation, over 84 percent of which has finished. He affirmed both sides’ determination to complete this work, thus promoting peace, friendship, cooperation and sustainable development along the shared borderline.

What the two countries have achieved in bilateral relations have become necessary pillars to build, expand and deepen their traditional friendship and win-win cooperation, Prak Sokhonn said, voicing his belief that their prosperity will contribute to a united ASEAN Community.

Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister Men Sam An, Prak Sokhonn was among other senior Cambodian officials, along with heads of other countries’ diplomatic representative agencies in Phnom Penh at the event.

VNA