In his speech, Vietnamese ambassador to Cambodia Nguyen Minh Vu noted that General Secretary To Lam’s choice of Cambodia as one of the first overseas destinations following the 14th National Party Congress reflected Vietnam’s high priority for relations with Cambodia and the long-standing traditional friendship between the two countries.

In recent years, he said, Vietnam–Cambodia relations have recorded strong momentum, with frequent high-level exchanges between the two ruling parties and close cooperation in defence and security, which remains a key pillar of the relationship.

Economic ties have also expanded, with two-way trade reaching a record US$11.33 billion in 2025, up 11.7% from the previous year. More Vietnamese businesses are investing in and expanding operations in Cambodia, while coordination between the two governments on community affairs and citizen protection has been strengthened.

Addressing the gathering, Party leader To Lam shared Vietnam’s development vision following the 14th National Party Congress, which set the goal of entering a new era of rapid, self-reliant and resilient growth.

Vietnam aims to become a developing country with modern industry by 2030 and a high-income developed economy by 2045, he said.

On bilateral ties, the Party chief held Vietnam and Cambodia have never been “as close and mutually understanding as they are today,” adding that leaders of both countries have reached broad consensus on major orientations to further deepen cooperation during his visit.

He stressed the importance of enhancing connectivity, including expressways, high-speed railways, inland waterways, telecommunications, finance and taxation systems, as well as cooperation in science, technology and human resource development.

The leader also noted that the Cambodia–Vietnam Friendship School project, designed to accommodate around 6,000 students, is expected to be completed by the end of this year, underscoring close cooperation in education.

Acknowledging concerns among overseas Vietnamese about legal status and livelihoods, he reaffirmed that Vietnam consistently calls on Cambodian authorities to facilitate stable living conditions for people of Vietnamese origin and create favourable conditions for Vietnamese enterprises operating in the country.

On the occasion of the upcoming Lunar New Year, the party leader presented US$20,000 and 200 gift packages to the Khmer–Vietnam Association to support disadvantaged families.

Party chief attends Cambodia–Vietnam Friendship School groundbreaking

VOV.VN - Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) General Secretary To Lam and Cambodian People’s Party (CPP) President Hun Sen on February 6 attended a groundbreaking ceremony for the Cambodia–Vietnam Friendship School, as part of the former’s state visit to Cambodia.