Vietnamese and Cambodian Defence Officials Discuss Strengthening Cooperation
Phnom Penh, The Gulf Observer: Vietnamese Deputy Defence Minister Sen. Lieut. Gen. Hoàng Xuân Chiến and Permanent Secretary of State at the Cambodian Defence Ministry General Chay Saing Yun co-chaired the seventh Vietnam-Cambodia policy dialogue on Wednesday, focusing on defence cooperation orientations between the two nations.
During the dialogue, Chiến affirmed the robust good neighbourliness, traditional friendship, comprehensive cooperation, and long-term sustainability between Vietnam and Cambodia. He highlighted the historical solidarity of the two armies and peoples, who stood side by side in past struggles for national liberation. Chiến reiterated that Vietnam prioritizes consolidating and enhancing this relationship.
General Chay Saing Yun emphasized that the dialogue underscores the close ties between the two armies and contributes significantly to fostering Vietnam-Cambodia relations.
The dialogue provided an opportunity for both sides to exchange views on regional and global issues of shared concern. They agreed that ASEAN-led mechanisms have been pivotal in promoting dialogues and cooperation within the bloc and with external partners, contributing to regional peace and stability.
On maritime issues, Chiến reiterated Vietnam’s commitment to maintaining peace and stability, ensuring security, safety, and freedom of navigation and overflight in the East Sea (internationally known as the South China Sea). He emphasized resolving disputes through peaceful measures in line with international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). He also called for the effective implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC) and the development of a substantive, effective Code of Conduct in the East Sea (COC).
Both officials noted the significant progress in bilateral defence cooperation since the sixth dialogue in April 2023. This cooperation has grown intensively and extensively, marked by high-level delegation exchanges, personnel training, information exchange, coordination in border management, and the search and repatriation of Vietnamese volunteer soldiers and experts who sacrificed their lives in Cambodia during the wartime.
They agreed to continue these activities and to educate future generations of soldiers and residents, especially youths, about the importance of the Vietnam-Cambodia friendship.
On this occasion, Chiến extended an invitation to leaders of the Cambodian Defence Ministry and representatives of prestigious Cambodian businesses to attend the Vietnam International Defence Expo 2024, scheduled for December in Hanoi.
The dialogue concluded with the signing of the minutes by both officers.
