Cambodian PM's Vietnam visit to open new history of co-operative relations

As part of this occasion, So Naro, special envoy of Prime Minister Hun Manet, held a discussion with a VOV reporter about the activities taking place during the visit, which is considered "Opening a new page in history in Cambodia - Vietnam relations".

The visit, which takes place more than three months after the seventh term Cambodian Government officially came into operation, will contribute to deepening the relationship of "good neighbors, traditional friendship, comprehensive cooperation, and long-term sustainability" that exists between both sides on the basis of equality, mutual benefit, effective co-operation, and respect for each other's interests, thereby bringing ties to new heights.

According to the special envoy, this business trip is very important as it will contribute to opening a new page in the history of joint relations.

This marks the first trip taken by the head of the new Government, affirming the continuity of foreign policy from the previous one and it is also the first visit among 10 ASEAN member state made by new Cambodian PM Hun Manet.

“I also believe that this visit will be a great success, with the two sides signing a number of cooperation agreements on economics, politics, and security, thereby contributing to promoting development and stability in each country as well as in the region and the world,” he said.

The Royal Government of Cambodia, term VII, has officially announced the focus on implementing the Pentagon Strategy-phase 1 with a view to promoting socio-economic development, thereby turning Cambodia into a country with a gradually increasing income over the coming years.

Talking about how this strategy will impact the relationship between the two countries in the time to come, So Naro said that the Cambodian Government is in the process of carrying out phase one of the Pentagonal Strategy and there are many subsequent phases.

“Currently, we are focusing on a number of key areas such as human resources, electricity, roads, water and science and technology. All of these fields have direct relationships with Vietnam. For example, in the field of human resource training, Vietnam has supported human resource training for Cambodia since the 80s and up to now, thousands of Cambodian students have been trained in Vietnam. Regarding roads, we are building a highway connecting Phnom Penh - Bavet - Moc Bai - Ho Chi Minh City. This not only contributes to connecting the two cities- Phnom Penh with Ho Chi Minh City but also connects Bangkok of Thailand,” he continued.

In terms of science and technology, the Vietnamese side is seeing numerous outstanding developments, with many of the world's major investors looking to the nation, whilst Vietnam can continue to invest and develop in Cambodia.

Recently, the State Bank of Vietnam and Cambodia signed a cross-border QR Code payment agreement. This contributes to boosting trade activities and exchange of goods between the two countries, the special enjoy said, while displaying his confidence that the Vietnamese economy will develop dramatically over the next 10 years which will also have impacts on the Cambodian economy.