The session was co-chaired by Vietnamese Minister of Foreign Affairs, Pham Binh Minh, and Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hor Nam Hong.

Minister Minh, who is also Chairman of the Vietnamese Subcommittee, emphasized the significance of the session, which was designed to review cooperation between the two countries and devise plans for the future.

Both countries have prioritised promoting their multifaceted cooperation, said Mr. Minh, adding that since the Committee’s 11th session, the Vietnam-Cambodia friendship and comprehensive cooperation have been reinforced and expanded in various fields, particularly trade, investment, security, defence, education, health care, science and technology.

Also, border demarcation is set to be completed by 2012, he added.

The Vietnamese FM urged both sides to uphold their achievements and take full advantage of the potential to boost cooperation for the benefits of both peoples. He also asked participants at the session to discuss both successes and shortcomings in the cooperation between Vietnam and Cambodia and draw up a plan for the future.

Deputy PM and FM Hor Nam Hong congratulated Mr. Minh on his promotion to Vietnamese Foreign Minister.

He expressed his hopes that the Vietnam-Cambodia traditional friendship, solidarity, and cooperation will develop as expected by the two governments and peoples.

Also on the same day, the two sides signed a memorandum of understanding on the economic, cultural, scientific and technological cooperation.

(VOV)