Vietnamese Defence Minister General Phung Quang Thanh and his visiting Cambodian counterpart General Tia Banh agreed in 2014 the two armies will increase visit exchanges, training and cooperation between their army corps, and search, collect and repatriate remains of volunteer Vietnamese soldiers.

They said the result of bilateral cooperation will make a positive contribution to socio-economic development in each country, creating an environment of peace and stability in the region and foiling any insidious scheme attempting to sow division between the two peoples.

 They concurred 2013 was a year of fruitful armed forces and defence cooperation, expressed via visit exchanges and joint training exercises.

Thanh congratulated Cambodia on its recent electoral success and praised the ties of traditional friendship, and comprehensive cooperation between the two countries.

He highlighted progress in defence cooperation and Vietnam’s consistent support for the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces’ efforts.

Thanh also thanked Cambodia for assisting with the search and repatriation of Vietnamese martyr remains.

Tia Banh, who is also Deputy Prime Minister, briefed his host on Cambodia’s socio-economic development, affirming the Cambodian people’s and armed forces’ commitment to the friendship with Vietnam.

General Tia Banh led a Cambodia Defence Ministry delegation to visit Vietnam on January 15-16 at the invitation of General Thanh. 

VOV