Top Vietnamese legislator’s Cambodia visit to solidify comprehensive ties

NA Chairman Man will lead a high-ranking delegation of the Vietnamese Party and State to pay an official visit to Cambodia and attend the 12th General Assembly of the International Conference of Asian Political Parties (ICAPP) and the 11th Plenary Session of International Parliament for Tolerance and Peace (IPTP) from November 21 to November 24.

According to details given by the Vietnamese diplomat, the trip also underlines the nation’s commitment to dealing with regional and global issues.

In a recent media interview Ambassador Tang stated that that this represents NA Chairman Man’s first official visit to the neighbouring country in his capacity as the top legislator. During the course of the visit he will also represent Vietnam’s Party and NA at two major international conferences hosted by Cambodia, namely the 12th General Assembly of the International Conference of Asian Political Parties (ICAPP) and the 11th Plenary Session of International Parliament for Tolerance and Peace (IPTP).

The NA leader and his Cambodian counterpart, Samdech Moha Rathsapheathika Thipadei Khuon Sudary, are set to co-chair the inauguration ceremony of the Cambodian NA's new administrative building. The 12-storey facility is valued at US$25 million and represents a gift from the Vietnamese Party, State, and people. Its construction initially began in December, 2021, and was finalised after nearly three years. The building is considered to be a symbol of the enduring friendship that exists between the two nations, as emphasised by Cambodian NA Secretary General Leng Peng Long.

Ambassador Tang went on to express his optimism about the mutual relationship ahead in the years to come. While challenges remain, the two nations have significant opportunities to elevate their partnership, especially as Cambodia enjoys peace and stability.

Along with traditional areas of collaboration, the diplomat identified potential new fields for co-operation, including high-tech, digital technology, green technology, clean energy, digital transformation, processing industries, information technology, and artificial intelligence.

Concerning key priorities for the bilateral relationship, the Ambassador pointed to the maintenance and promotion of political ties to provide strategic direction for the overall relationship. It can also be viewed as essential to overcome challenges and seize upon opportunities for co-operation improvements across fields, particularly the economy, as well as to maintain close collaboration in security, defence, and diplomacy to ensure peace and stability for both nations. Other priorities include encouraging practical linkages between the sides’ ministries, parliaments, localities, and social organisations to enhance people-to-people connections and to educate citizens, especially the youth, about the historical ties between the two nations.

The Ambassador said that the legislative bodies of both countries have maintained strong and growing co-operation. Indeed, the Vietnamese side has engaged in every ICAPP General Assembly since the beginning of its membership and made its debut at IPTP-11 as a special guest at Cambodia's invitation.

The top legislator’s attendance at both conferences highlighted the country’s respect for Cambodia’s hosting and indicates the rising influence and credibility of Vietnam on the international stage, Ambassador Tang said. He affirmed that the nation stands ready to become involve in regional and global forums as a contribution to peace and the general happiness of humanity.