Vietnam, Cambodia hold sixth Defence Policy Dialogue
VOV.VN - Vietnamese Deputy Defence Minister Senior Lieutenant General Hoang Xuan Chien and Secretary of State of the Cambodian Ministry of National Defene General Neang Phat co-hosted the sixth Vietnam - Cambodia Defence Policy Dialogue held at the border post of Moc Bai International Border Gate in the southern province of Tay Ninh.
Minister Chien stated that the event took place amid both nations successfully organising a series of activities within the “Vietnam - Cambodia, Cambodia - Vietnam Friendship Year 2022”, while Neang Phat highlighted the dialogue as evidence of the close relationship between the two sides. It can be seen to be being held in line with the regional and international situation that will help to reinforce the traditional bilateral friendship and comprehensive co-operation.
At the dialogue, both sides compared notes on regional and international situations of mutual concern and agreed that political and security situations both globally and regionally have witnessed rapid, complicated, and unpredictable developments. They affirmed that ASEAN-led mechanisms have continued to prove their central role in the region as a contribution to stepping up linkages among member countries and between them and their partners for the cause of regional peace and stability.
Regarding the East Sea issue, the two sides agreed that relevant parties should abide by the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC) and step up negotiations towards the early formulation of a Code of Conduct in the East Sea (COC) in a substantive and effective manner. This should be done in line with international law, including the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
They affirmed that bilateral defence ties has recorded positive and outstanding results. In the Friendship Year 2022, they co-operated to effectively carry out around 30 events.
Over recent times border guards of the two countries have effectively brought into full play the exchange and twinning mechanisms and moved to strengthen linkages in patrolling and protecting the shared borderline and border markers, thereby effectively combating cross-border crimes.
The search, collection, and repatriation of remains of Vietnamese volunteers and experts who laid down their lives while performing international duties in Cambodia has been implemented in accordance with the 2023 plan. In addition, collaboration in delegation exchanges and training has continued to receive greater attention.
In the coming time the two sides have consented to continue intensifying delegation exchanges and co-operation in training; effectively maintaining their information exchange mechanism; promoting ties between military regions, services, and border guards through diverse practical forms; stepping up dissemination and education about the history and significance of the traditional friendship of the two states, peoples, and militaries; and accelerating the search, collection, and repatriation of remains of Vietnamese volunteer soldiers and experts lost in Cambodia.
They also affirmed that they will show mutual support at multilateral forums in the region and the world, especially at ASEAN-led mechanisms.
As part of the occasion, the Vietnamese official suggested that the Cambodian Defence Ministry continue to care for and support the Vietnamese community in Cambodia whilst facilitating the operation of Vietnamese military businesses to contribute to the two countries’ development.