Vietnam-Cambodia Friendship Associations Convene in Kep to Deepen Bilateral Ties
Phnom Penh, The Gulf Observer: The Vietnam-Cambodia Friendship Association (VCFA) and the Cambodia-Vietnam Friendship Association (CVFA) held a joint conference in Cambodia’s southern coastal province of Kep from December 5 to 6. The event focused on reviewing past activities and establishing goals for 2025.
The conference was attended by prominent figures, including Men Sam An, Supreme Advisor to the King of Cambodia, Vice President of the Cambodian People’s Party (CPP), and Chairwoman of the CVFA, as well as Nguyễn Thị Thanh, Chairwoman of the Vietnamese National Assembly and VCFA.
Thanh highlighted the meeting’s alignment with the 46th anniversary of the Kampuchean United Front for National Salvation, now known as the Solidarity Front for the Development of Cambodia Motherland (SFDCM). She underscored the enduring partnership between Vietnam’s Kiên Giang province and Cambodia’s Kep and Kampot provinces, emphasizing their collaboration in promoting peace, stability, and cross-border cooperation.
Thanh praised the associations for fostering people-to-people ties and facilitating economic, cultural, and educational exchanges. She urged both sides to strengthen their efforts in addressing challenges such as cross-border smuggling and illegal fishing, while promoting mutual understanding, particularly among youth.
Men Sam An lauded the associations’ contributions to enhancing bilateral friendship and combating divisive narratives from hostile forces. She expressed gratitude to Vietnam for its historic support and emphasized the unwavering bond between the two nations despite global geopolitical shifts.
Key resolutions included:
- Continued implementation of the memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed in August 2022, with a focus on raising awareness about bilateral ties and countering misinformation.
- Enhanced cooperation among local chapters in border areas and between major cities like Ho Chi Minh City and Phnom Penh.
- Expanded efforts in social welfare and healthcare access for Cambodian citizens in Vietnam.
The associations also agreed to hold annual meetings to evaluate progress and set future directions. Thanh invited Men Sam An to visit Vietnam and participate in the VCFA’s 50th-anniversary celebrations in Hanoi.
The conference reinforced the enduring commitment to fostering solidarity, mutual trust, and comprehensive cooperation between Vietnam and Cambodia, reflecting their shared aspirations for peace and development in the region.
