The visit, the second state-level visit to the neighbouring nation by the Party leader, will be made on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties (June 24) and in the context of sound overall relations. It aims to promote trust between the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) and the Cambodian People’s Party (CPP) and speed up the implementation of agreements signed between the two nations.

The visit is also expected to create favourable conditions for the two sides to address existing problems in their relations, bringing relations to a deeper and more sustainable level.

In a message sent to Head of State of Cambodia Norodom Sihanouk on June 23, 1967, President Ho Chi Minh said the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries was a bright manifestation of the close friendship and solidarity in combat. It was a historic event in the relationship between Vietnam and Cambodia, and positive factor in maintaining peace in Indochina and Southeast Asia. The relations have been nurtured and developed by both nations over the past five decades. 

The two countries have pursued a foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, diversification and multilateralisation of international relations. They have attached importance to consolidating and enhancing bilateral ties in the spirit of “good neighbourliness, traditional friendship, comprehensive cooperation and long-lasting sustainability” and on the basis of respect for each other’s independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity and no interference in each other’s internal affairs.

Despite complex regional and global developments in recent years, Vietnam and Cambodia have still enjoyed fruitful relations, contributing to the building of a peaceful and stable environment for stronger socio-economic development and ensuring the independence and sovereignty of each nation.

The two sides have maintained and effectively promoted bilateral cooperation mechanisms while increasing the exchange of visits and meetings between their senior leaders. Vietnam and Cambodia exchanged 150 delegations of all levels in 2016 and in the first half of 2017. Various cooperation agreements have been inked, creating a base to branch out relations between the two nations. 

Economic collaboration has been a catalyst to promote the two peoples’ solidarity and friendship. Vietnam has 183 investment projects with total registered capital of 2.8 billion USD in Cambodia. Projects in telecommunications, aviation and agriculture have proved efficient. The two countries have seen an increase in bilateral trade which has averaged 3 billion USD per year in the last five years. 

Along with supporting Cambodia’s economic development, Vietnamese enterprises have been responsible for social welfare in the host nation and improving local livelihoods. Vietnam aims to pour 6 billion USD into Cambodia by 2020, focusing in the fields of Vietnam’s strength and Cambodia’s potential.

Vietnam has granted thousands of short-term and long-term scholarships for Cambodia while Cambodia helps Vietnam train bachelors in Khmer language and culture.

Relations between bordering provinces have flourished. Twinning relations have been set up between Prec Sihanuk province of Cambodia and Hai Phong city of Vietnam. The Cambodian locality also has relations with Kien Giang province and some Mekong Delta localities.

The two countries have well implemented cooperation agreements in defence and security to ensure political and social stability in each nation. They have also coordinated at regional and global forums, particularly in the framework of the United Nations, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and the Asia-Europe Meeting.

Vietnam, Cambodia border localities share experience in religious affairs

Vietnamese and Cambodian localities along the shared border discussed religious affairs during a conference in Ho Chi Minh City on July 17, aiming to build a shared border of peace, stability and development.

Addressing the event, Minister of Home Affairs Le Vinh Tan said the event aims to share experience among the localities and foster cooperation in tackling existing problems in religious activities along the border, thus helping locals exercise their right to religious freedom.

Meanwhile, Cambodian Minister of Cults and Religion Him Chhem expressed delight at the stability and growth of the Vietnam-Cambodia partnership, including in religion.

He stressed that the conference is of significant importance with the two countries celebrating the 50th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic ties, celebrations which are expected to enhance the efficiency of religious affair of both countries, thus fostering religious solidarity.

At the event, the two sides agreed on the significance of friendship and cooperation among localities along the Vietnam-Cambodia in all fields, including religion.

They agreed that the religious situation along the border is stable. The practice of beliefs and religions is respected and supported, while religious dignitaries and followers engage in social activities and contribute to local socio-economic development, ensuring security in the border.

Religious followers in border areas have enjoyed favourable conditions in holding exchange activities and organising festivals and traditional activities, thus fostering neighbourliness among border localities.

Participants also decided to enhance coordination to strengthen State management in religion, while sharing information to ensure safety and security along the border.

VNA