Phnom Penh, June 25, 2024: The enduring friendship between Cambodia and Vietnam continues to strengthen, as highlighted during a recent interview with the Vietnamese Ambassador to Cambodia, Nguyen Huy Taing. The discussion, which coincided with the 57th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, was conducted by Cambodia's state-owned Agence Kampuchea Presse (AKP).
The ambassador emphasized the depth of the relationship, built on a foundation of "good neighborliness, traditional friendship, and comprehensive, sustainable, and long-term cooperation." He noted the frequent exchanges and strategic meetings between the leaders of both countries, which have consistently fostered a spirit of mutual understanding and collaboration.
Ambassador Nguyen elaborated on several key achievements in the bilateral relations, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, where both countries maintained close contact, shared resources, and provided mutual support.
A significant milestone in their collaboration is the progress on land border demarcation and border marker planting, which is now 84 percent complete. Both nations are committed to resolving the remaining 16 percent to foster a border of peace, friendship, and development.
On the economic front, Vietnam ranks among the top ten investors in Cambodia with 208 projects valued at nearly US$3 billion, while Cambodia has invested US$75.76 million in 35 projects in Vietnam. Despite fluctuations, trade between the two countries has shown robust growth, expected to exceed US$10 billion this year.
Education, vocational training, and human resource development are also significant areas of cooperation. Annually, Cambodia offers scholarships to 35 Vietnamese students and receives hundreds from Vietnam.
The ambassador also suggested that both countries should capitalize on their tourism potential to attract more visitors from third countries. He anticipates that the number of Vietnamese tourists visiting Cambodia will reach about 1 million in 2024, making them the second-largest group of visitors, while approximately 450,000 Cambodian tourists are expected to visit Vietnam.
Reflecting on the past 57 years, the ambassador remarked on the shared history and mutual assistance during critical periods, including Cambodia’s support for Vietnam’s national unification and Vietnam’s aid in Cambodia’s fight against the Khmer Rouge regime.
Looking forward, Ambassador Nguyen shared his vision for future cooperation aimed at supporting Cambodia’s goal to become a developed nation by 2050 and Vietnam’s ambition to become a high-income economy by 2045.
