Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen, President of the Senate of Cambodia, has expressed satisfaction with the commitment of Cambodia and Vietnam to further strengthen cooperation in key areas including national defence and security, education, health, energy, tourism, culture, science, and technology.
The Senate President conveyed his remarks while attending the celebration of Vietnam’s 80th National Day, hosted by the Embassy of Vietnam in Phnom Penh on the evening of Aug. 21.
Samdech Techo underscored that Cambodia attaches great importance to its close relationship and comprehensive cooperation with Vietnam, which has continued to develop in all fields and at all levels, guided by the spirit of “good neighbourliness, traditional friendship, comprehensive cooperation, and long-term stability.”
He recalled the mutual support shared between the two nations, highlighting Cambodia’s solidarity with Vietnam during its struggle for national reunification and independence, and Vietnam’s sacrifices through its volunteer army and people in helping to overthrow the genocidal regime in Cambodia, prevent its return, and support the country’s reconstruction.
“This is a historical truth that no reactionary force can change,” he stressed.
Samdech Techo further emphasised that Cambodia-Vietnam relations, built on mutual respect and assistance, have brought benefits to both nations and peoples, while also contributing significantly to peace, stability, sustainable development, and prosperity in the region.
He also praised the continued strengthening of ties through exchanges of visits and communication at all levels, both within legislative and executive bodies and among the peoples of both countries.
“I am pleased to note that our comprehensive cooperation has been steadily advancing across all sectors. The volume of bilateral trade has risen significantly. In 2024, Vietnam was Cambodia’s third-largest trading partner, with bilateral trade exceeding US$10 billion—an increase of more than 18 percent compared to 2023,” he said.
Looking ahead, the two countries are committed to further boosting cooperation with the goal of reaching US$20 billion in bilateral trade. Vietnam currently ranks fifth among foreign investors in Cambodia and second among ASEAN member states, after Singapore. The number of Vietnamese tourists to Cambodia has increased by nearly 32 percent, ranking second overall. At present, a total of 100 direct flights operate weekly between the two countries, served by two Vietnamese and two Cambodian airlines.
The Senate President also spoke highly of Cambodia and Vietnam’s mutual support in regional and international frameworks, including the United Nations, ASEAN, and other sub-regional mechanisms—cooperation that not only advances the common interests of both countries but also contributes to global peace, security, stability, and sustainable development.
Cambodia and Vietnam established formal diplomatic relations in 1967.
