King Norodom Sihamoni’s visit helps to cement Vietnam – Cambodia relations, says ambassador

The Ambassador granted an interview to Phnom Penh-based VOV correspondents, highlighting the significance of the visit to Vietnam – Cambodia relations.  

VOV: Could you please tell us about the purpose and significance of the Cambodian King’s visit to Vietnam? How will this visit contribute to the promotion of Vietnam-Cambodia relations?
Ambassador Nguyen Huy Tang: King Norodom Sihamoni rarely makes a visit to neighboring countries, including ASEAN members. However, since his ascension to the throne on October 29, 2004, the King has paid visits to Vietnam three times (in 2006, 2012, and 2018). This time marks his fourth state visit to Vietnam.

During this visit, King Norodom Sihamoni is scheduled to hold talks and have meetings with all the top leaders of Vietnam. Through these meetings, the King wishes to express his warm and close friendship between the leaders and people of the two countries, thus helping to strengthen political trust and foster cooperation in various fields, including economy, culture, education, and others.

This visit will undoubtedly deepen the Vietnam-Cambodia relations, under the motto of good neighbourliness, traditional friendship, comprehensive cooperation, and long-term sustainability.

VOV: Could you share some of the major achievements in Vietnam-Cambodia relations in recent years?
Ambassador Nguyen Huy Tang: In recent years, the relationship between Vietnam and Cambodia has seen significant achievements in several key areas. Politically, senior leaders of both countries have frequently visited each other. In 2024, State President To Lam visited Cambodia, and just recently, National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man also paid a working visit to Cambodia where he also attended two international conferences – the 12th General Assembly of the International Conference of Asian Political Parties (ICAPP 12) and the 11th Plenary Session of the International Parliament for Tolerance and Peace (IPTP 11).

From the Cambodian side, there were visits by National Assembly Chairwoman Khuon Sudary, Prime Minister Hun Manet in December 2023, and now the state visit by King Norodom Sihamoni.

In addition, there have been many high-level exchanges between the leaders of both countries. In July 2024, Samdech Techo Hun Sen led a high-level Cambodian delegation to pay respects and attend the funeral of the late General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong in Hanoi. During his stay, Hun Sen held high-level meetings with Vietnamese leaders to further strengthen political trust and outlined directions for overall bilateral relations.

On defense and security cooperation, Vietnam and Cambodia have consistently upheld the principle that the security and stability of one country is also in the interest of the other. Therefore, defense and security cooperation is highly prioritized, with regular implementation of annual cooperation plans between the Ministries of Defense and the Ministries of Interior of both countries. Such connections help to maintain peace and stability for cooperation and development.

Economically, trade relations have grown steadily, with the two-way trade reaching US$12.57 billion in 2022. Despite global economic challenges in 2023, Cambodia remained an important market for Vietnam, with trade still maintaining a high level of US$8.57 billion. By October this year, trade reached US$8.4 billion, and the figure is expected to exceed US$10 billion by the end of the year, a stepping stone towards the ambitious goal of achieving US$20 billion in trade turnover as set by the two prime ministers.

In terms of investment, Vietnam continues to be one of the top 10 investors in Cambodia, and the largest ASEAN investor in the country. Currently, there are 205 active projects with a registered capital of US2.94 billion. Notable examples include Metfone, Vietnam Rubber Group, Angkor Milk, and several Vietnamese commercial banks, alongside a large-scale high-tech agricultural project by Thaco Group.

The cooperation between parliamentary committees, ministries, local authorities, and people-to-people exchanges continues to grow, particularly along the border regions, contributing to the stability of the Vietnam-Cambodia border and promoting peaceful, cooperative development.

In education, both countries value and prioritize cooperation, with around 2,400-2,500 Cambodian students studying in Vietnam each year and more than 100 Vietnamese students in Cambodia. This is a critical contribution to the human resources of both nations.

VOV: Vietnam-Cambodia relations have achieved remarkable success in recent years, but there are still many opportunities to further enhance cooperation. What priorities will the two countries focus on in the future to boost bilateral ties?
Ambassador Nguyen Huy Tang: In the coming period, despite global and regional challenges, the Vietnam-Cambodia relationship will have many opportunities for further development, especially in emerging fields like high technology, green and clean technology, digital transformation, and artificial intelligence.

These sectors are attracting interest and investments from both countries, and they also provide an opportunity to leverage foreign business resources in both Vietnamese and Cambodian markets.

With the strong relationship built over the past time, I think we need to continue giving priority to advancing cooperation across various fields.

First, politically, we need to continue strengthening political relations to serve as the foundation for guiding bilateral ties and raising awareness about the importance of the Vietnam-Cambodia relationship for the development of both countries.

Second, we must overcome challenges and seize opportunities to boost economic cooperation, ensuring that the economy becomes a driving force for bilateral relations and contributes to the long-term, sustainable development of both sides.

Third, security and defense cooperation will remain a critical pillar of bilateral relations. We will continue to strengthen cooperation in this domain, contributing to a peaceful and stable environment for both countries’ development. Both sides will need to effectively consult each other within bilateral and multilateral frameworks to ensure harmony of interests and protect each nation’s sovereignty.

Fourth, we need to continue enhancing cooperation between the parliamentary committees, legislative bodies, ministries, local authorities, and people-to-people exchanges.

Last but not least, both sides must continue promoting education and raising awareness among the people, especially the youth, about the traditional role and importance of Vietnam-Cambodia relations. By doing so, we will foster a sense of responsibility for maintaining and developing these relations for the prosperity of both countries and the happiness of their peoples.

VOV: Thank you, the Ambassador.