PM Hun Sen accentuates successful Vietnam-Cambodia defence cooperation

Defence cooperation is regarded as one of the important pillars in Vietnam-Cambodia relations, said Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen at a reception in Phnom Penh on December 28 for General Ngo Xuan Lich, Politburo member and Minister of National Defence.

General Ngo Xuan Lich, Politburo member and Minister of National Defence pays a courtesy visit to Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen (L)

He showed his elation at the successful defence ties between the two countries over the past time while affirming his nation’s recognition of importance to preserving and deepening its traditional solidarity and friendship and comprehensive cooperation with Vietnam, for the benefits of the two countries’ people as well as for peace, stability and development.

Minister Lich congratulated Cambodia on the successful organization of the 6th National Assembly election and the Cambodian People’s Party (CPP) on its victory in the election, saying the outcome demonstrated the acknowledgement, trust and aspiration of the Cambodian people for a good future of the country under the leadership of the CPP and the government led by Prime Minister Hun Sen.

Lich also briefed PM Hun Sen on the outcomes of his talks with Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Samdech Tea Banh, noting that the bilateral defence collaboration has gained practical achievements over recent years.

Both sides consented to augment cooperation across a variety of fields, especially in communications and education, personnel training, delegation exchange, border management and exchange, as well as search for and repatriation of remains of Vietnamese volunteer soldiers and experts who laid down their lives in Cambodia, he said.

He said he expects continued support from the Cambodian Government and Prime Minister Hun Sen for stronger collaboration between the two armies.

The Cambodian PM, in turn, said the two armed forces should continue reinforce solidarity and cooperation in every aspect so as to make defence ties a pillar in the relationship between the two nations.

He commended the two armies for implementing the Protocol on Regular Search and Rescue in land border areas, including the organization of search and rescue drills.

The Cambodian PM also asked both sides to continue carrying out projects to repair and renovate the Vietnam-Cambodia Friendship Monuments, while pledging his nation’s coordination with Vietnamese units to accelerate the search for and repatriation of remains of Vietnamese volunteer soldiers and experts who laid down their lives in Cambodia.

Earlier on December 27, Minister Ngo Xuan Lich held talks with his Cambodian counterpart Tea Banh, during which he noted with joy the sound development of bilateral relations between Vietnam and Cambodia in a broad array of fields, including defence since the two countries set up their diplomatic ties in 1967. He expressed his confidence that the meeting will add fresh impetus to defence cooperation between the two nations.

The Cambodian people and army always treasure the traditional friendly neighbourliness with the Vietnamese counterparts, he said and pledged his best efforts to preserve and foster the good relations.

The two ministers agreed upon closer coordination in realizing the Protocol on Regular Search and Rescue in land border areas and the annual collaboration plans, pay heed to stepping up communications and education work, improve training quality, and enhance links between military units in border areas.

They also concurred to expedite the search for and repatriation of remains of Vietnamese volunteer soldiers and experts who died in Cambodia as well as finalize the building and upgrading of the Vietnam-Cambodia Friendship Monuments.

Following the talks, Ministers Ngo Xuan Lich and Tea Banh signed a cooperation plan for 2019 between the two defence ministries.

VOV