Senior Cambodian official Samdech Kittisangahapundit Men Sam An on Monday reaffirmed the enduring bond between Cambodia and Vietnam, describing the neighbouring nations as partners united by a shared history of struggle and a mutual commitment to independence and peace.
Speaking at a Khmer New Year celebration in Svay Rieng province, Samdech Men Sam An, a Member of the Supreme Privy Council to His Majesty the King and President of Cambodia-Vietnam Friendship Association expressed deep gratitude for Vietnam’s historical support. She specifically highlighted the sacrifices of Vietnamese volunteer troops and citizens in the liberation of Cambodia from the Khmer Rouge’s genocidal regime on Jan. 7, 1979.
“Cambodia and Vietnam remain committed to the cause of independence and peace as neighbours,” Samdech Men Sam An told an audience that included a high-level delegation from the People’s Army of Vietnam and officials from Vietnam’s Tay Ninh province. “We will always remember and remain grateful for the ultimate sacrifices made to help liberate Cambodia.”
The event underscored the deepening diplomatic and economic synergy between the two nations under the banner of “good neighbourliness, traditional friendship, comprehensive cooperation, and long-term stability.”
Samdech Men Sam An credited the continuity of Cambodia’s development to the strategic leadership of the Cambodian People’s Party (CPP). She noted that the foundations laid by former Prime Minister and current Senate President Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen’s “Triangle” and “Rectangle” strategies are now being advanced by Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet’s “Pentagonal Strategy-Phase 1,” which she said has shown significant progress over the last three years.
The official also emphasised the localised cooperation between Svay Rieng and Tay Ninh provinces, which serves as a micro-model for the broader bilateral relationship.
“Despite the complexities of the global landscape, the solidarity between our parties, states, and peoples remains unshakable,” she said. “Our cooperation in trade, tourism, and education continues to provide tangible benefits to both populations.”
In a gesture of domestic solidarity, Samdech Men Sam An also thanked Svay Rieng provincial leaders for coordinating donations and funds for the provinces of Oddar Meanchey, Preah Vihear, Banteay Meanchey, and Siem Reap to support military personnel and displaced families.
