President To Lam Engages in Productive Talks with Cambodian Senate President

Phnom Penh, The Gulf Observer: In a significant diplomatic engagement, President To Lam held talks with President of the Cambodian People’s Party (CPP) and President of the Senate Samdech Techo Hun Sen on Friday. The meeting, which took place in Phnom Penh, underscored the robust ties and comprehensive cooperation between Vietnam and Cambodia.

President Lam extended his congratulations to the CPP for its recent electoral success and to Hun Sen for his election as President of the Senate. He acknowledged Hun Sen’s pivotal role in fostering the friendly neighbourliness and comprehensive cooperation between the two nations.

In response, Hun Sen lauded President Lam’s first state visit to Cambodia as the State leader of Vietnam, emphasizing the visit’s significance in strengthening the friendship and close-knit ties between the two countries.

Both leaders expressed satisfaction with the recent achievements in bilateral cooperation. They highlighted the increased political trust, marked by frequent visits and meetings between leaders of both countries. The substantive development of security and defence cooperation, a cornerstone of bilateral relations, was also praised, along with the growing trade and investment links, positioning Vietnam as one of Cambodia’s major investors and trading partners.

The discussion also touched upon the diversification of cooperation in areas such as education, culture, and tourism. People-to-people exchanges, particularly between border-sharing provinces, were noted as extensive and beneficial. The collaboration between the Vietnamese National Assembly and the Cambodian Senate and National Assembly was recognized for its role in reinforcing party-to-party and government-to-government ties.

The leaders concurred on the mutual benefits of stability, peace, and development in each country. They appreciated the historical assistance, solidarity, and sacrifice that both nations have extended to each other during the struggles for national liberation and in current national development efforts.

Hun Sen particularly emphasized Vietnam’s assistance in helping Cambodia overcome the Pol Pot genocidal regime and revive.

Looking ahead, the two leaders agreed to actively implement high-level agreements and outcomes from recent meetings between the two Parties. They committed to increasing interactions and meetings at all levels, especially among young leaders and youths from both countries and the Cambodia – Laos – Vietnam Development Triangle Area.

They emphasized the importance of security and defence cooperation, adhering to the principle of not allowing any hostile force to use one country’s territory to sabotage the other. The leaders also committed to enhancing coordination between their respective security forces and furthering cooperation mechanisms, including annual meetings among ministers of public security/interior of Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam.

The historic significance of the Vietnam – Cambodia relationship was underscored, with both leaders agreeing on the need to educate and communicate effectively to ensure the younger generations understand and appreciate the traditional friendship and solidarity between the two nations. They resolved to counter any attempts by hostile forces to undermine their countries’ friendship.

Hun Sen also highlighted the critical role of cooperation in human resources development and requested Vietnam’s continued support in this area.

Furthermore, the leaders agreed to strengthen Vietnam – Laos – Cambodia cooperation, ensuring the effective implementation of agreements reached at high-level meetings among the leaders of the three countries’ ruling parties. They pledged to maintain regular meetings among their Prime Ministers, parliamentary leaders, and key ministers, fostering solidarity and cohesion for the benefit of each country and the region.

In conclusion, Hun Sen accepted President Lam’s invitation to visit Vietnam in the near future, marking a continued commitment to the strong bilateral relationship between Vienam and Cambodia.