Hun Sen reaffirms strong Cambodia–Vietnam ties
Photo: Senate President Hun Sen (L) meets Tran Thanh Man, Chairman of Vietnam’s National Assembly in Phnom Penh. AKP
Synopsis: Hun Sen highlights the “excellent relations and comprehensive cooperation” between the two countries and pledges to work closely with Vietnam to further strengthen collaboration between their legislative bodies in bilateral and multilateral frameworks.
Senate President Hun Sen has praised the strong bilateral relations and cooperation between Cambodia and Vietnam, reaffirming Cambodia’s commitment to further strengthening the partnership.
Mr Hun Sen conveyed his remarks in a letter sent on Thursday in response to a congratulatory message from Tran Thanh Man, Chairman of Vietnam’s National Assembly, on the 72nd anniversary of Cambodia’s Independence Day.
Cambodia celebrated the 72nd anniversary of Independence Day, on November 9, with a grand ceremony at the Independence Monument in Phnom Penh, marking the nation’s full independence from France.
The ceremony was presided over by King Norodom Sihamoni and attended by Senate President Hun Sen, National Assembly President Khuon Sudary, Prime Minister Hun Manet, and senior officials from various ministries and institutions.
Leaders from Cambodia’s top institutions—along with members of the Senate, National Assembly, government, diplomats, civil servants, armed forces, students, and both national and international guests—also took part in the celebration.
“I am delighted that Cambodia and Vietnam have enjoyed excellent relations and comprehensive cooperation at all levels as a result of the continuous unwavering commitment of the leaders of both countries to further enhance our friendship and win-win cooperation. I am highly confident that through our joint effort, our two countries will thrive together in all areas of cooperation,” Mr Hun Sen said.
He reiterated his firm commitment to working closely with Man to further foster the cooperation between the legislative bodies in the bilateral and multilateral frameworks, thus contributing to deepening the existing excellent relations under the spirit of “good neighbourliness, traditional friendship, comprehensive cooperation and long-term stability.”
The General Department of Customs and Excise (GDCE) reported earlier this month that Cambodia’s exports to Vietnam reached $3.1 billion, up 3% year-on-year, while imports slightly declined to $3.4 billion, a 0.2% drop. The figures indicated Vietnam’s limited purchasing capacity amid regional uncertainty.
Total trade between Cambodia and Vietnam reached $6.5 billion during the first 10 months, up 1.3% from the same period last year. Despite the modest growth, Vietnam continues to be Cambodia’s third-largest trading partner, supported by agricultural exports and increasing cooperation in energy and border trade zones.
-Khmer Times-
