Vietnam prioritizes strengthening relations with Cambodia, says President Luong Cuong

Cuong warmly welcomed the King’s visit to Vietnam, which he said would significantly contribute to strengthening bilateral cooperation under the motto of good neighborliness, traditional friendship, comprehensive cooperation, and long-term sustainability.

He congratulated Cambodia on the remarkable progress it has achieved under the wise reign of the King over the past 20 years, saying the country has made significant strides in building a peaceful, stable, independent, neutral, and non-aligned state with thriving development. The people’s living standards have improved rapidly, and the country’s international role and standing have been increasingly elevated both in the region and globally.

The President expected that the Cambodian people would continue to reap even greater accomplishments in the coming years, fostering prosperity and progressing toward the goal of becoming an upper-middle-income economy by 2030 and a high-income economy by 2050.

He also emphasized that generations of leaders and people of Vietnam deeply value the heartfelt sentiments, support, and invaluable assistance extended by the late King Father Norodom Sihanouk, Queen Mother Norodom Monineath Sihanouk, the King, leaders and people of Cambodia to Vietnam in the past and at present.

King Sihamoni conveyed the warm greetings and best wishes of his mother, Queen Mother Norodom Monineath Sihanouk, and Cambodian leaders to President Luong Cuong. He commended Vietnam’s significant achievements over nearly 40 years of implementing the Renovation process, including its extensive foreign relations and the establishment of comprehensive strategic partnerships with numerous countries worldwide, helping to elevate the country’s international standing.

The King expressed his confidence that under the sound leadership of the Communist Party of Vietnam, headed by General Secretary To Lam, Vietnam would continue to achieve significant accomplishments in the future.

On this occasion, the King affirmed that the Cambodian people always remember Vietnam and its people for helping Cambodia escape the genocide in the past and for supporting its nation-building and development efforts today. He emphasized that he, along with Senate President Hun Sen, National Assembly Chairwoman Khuon Sudary, and Prime Minister Hun Manet, would continue to strengthen and develop the traditional friendship and close brotherhood between the two countries - a relationship nurtured by the late King Father Norodom Sihanouk and past leaders of both countries.

Both sides expressed satisfaction with their bilateral relations in recent years, acknowledging that, despite the challenges of history, the traditional friendship, solidarity, and mutual support between the two countries, represent an invaluable legacy to be preserved for future generations.

They agreed to further deepen bilateral ties across all fields, with a particular focus on educating younger generations about the close bonds, solidarity, and mutual sacrifices between the two countries, inspiring them to continue fostering the Vietnam-Cambodia friendship.

President Luong Cuong proposed that the King continue to pay attention to addressing challenges and obstacles and work with senior Cambodian leaders to facilitate the naturalization of eligible people of Vietnamese origin. He also requested support in ensuring that the Vietnamese community in Cambodia live, work legally and stably, integrate well into the local society, and serve as a bridge of friendship between the two countries.

President Luong Cuong conveyed his warm regards to Queen Mother Norodom Monineath Sihanouk and expressed his hope that the Queen Mother would soon accompany King Norodom Sihamoni on a visit to Vietnam for rest and relaxation at a suitable time. In response, King Norodom Sihamoni expressed his desire to welcome President Luong Cuong to Cambodia in the near future.