PHNOM PENH: This Tuesday the President of the Vietnam, Nguyen Xuan Phuc, was warmly welcomed upon his arrival at Phnom Penh International Airport, beginning his two-day state visit in Cambodia.

The Vietnamese leader paid a courtesy visit to Majesty King Norodom Sihamoni at the Royal Palace, followed by a meeting with Queen Mother Norodom Monineath Sihanouk. In the afternoon, the Vietnamese President has also met with Prime Minister Hun Sen in a bilateral meeting at the Peace Palace.

They came together to sign seven important documents aimed to boost their bilateral cooperation in different fields, such as trade and security. One of the highlights of the meeting, was the discussion to recognize Covid-19 vaccines and vaccination certificates between Vietnam and Cambodia.

The Prime Minister of Cambodia and the President of Vietnam Nguyen Xuan Phuc have agreed to speed up the discussion on the recognition of Covid-19 vaccines and vaccination certificates to facilitate the movement of people of the two countries as well as facilitate travel and trade.

Prime Minister Hun Sen's assistant, Eang Sophalleth told reporters that both Prime Minister Hun Sen and the Vietnamese President expressed their satisfaction with the friendship between the two countries, with both nations partnering to boost trade and investment.

In addition, to facilitate cross-border trade, the two sides agreed to expedite the recognition of Covid-19 vaccination certificate.

After the meeting between the Heads of Government of the two countries, they have also signed seven documents related to the cooperation between Vietnam and Cambodia on national defense and internal security, as well as education, employment justice, economy, culture, technology.

They have also signed the Action Plan 2022-2023 between the Ministry of Justice of Cambodia and the Ministry of Justice of Vietnam, as well as concluded negotiations on the establishment of border trade agreements.

By the end of this year, Cambodia plans to open its border with Thailand, with Thailand designating Cambodia as a safe place for entry and exit. Yesterday, Deputy Foreign Minister of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam Nguyen Minh Vu also asked the Cambodian Ministry of Interior to review the possibility of reopening some border gates.

In response, Secretary of State for the Ministry of Interior, Sok Phal informed that the Ministry has accepted the request and will review the proposal in more details before submitting to the Royal Government of Cambodia for a final decision.

^{PHOTO: Kok Ky}