November 8, 2023
PHNOM PENH – Cambodia and Vietnam have shared their mutual appreciation for the progress of their defence ties, noting that their closeness stems from recent visitor exchanges between the two militaries. Both sides believe that the visits have made a significant contribution to strengthening and expanding their bonds of friendship, cooperation and solidarity.
The remarks came as General Neang Phat, standing secretary of state for the Ministry of National Defence, met with a delegation from the Vietnamese Military Attache’s Office in Cambodia.
This year marks the 70th anniversary of Cambodia’s November 9 National Independence Day, which also saw the birth of the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces (RCAF).
In a November 4 social media post, the defence ministry said the Vietnamese delegation offered their congratulations on the RCAF’s upcoming anniversary.
Phat described the meeting as a “reflection of the good relationship of the neighbouring countries”, recalling that the two nations had fought alongside one another against a common enemy in the past.
He supported an increase in valuable exchanges between the military leaders of both nations.
“We often meet to discuss our work and have adopted a common position of strengthening cooperation between our two countries,” he said.
Yang Peou, secretary-general of the Royal Academy of Cambodia, said on November 5 that regular personnel exchanges between the two militaries are important, in order to strengthen the bonds of friendship of the two countries. As neighbours, he believed that defence ties between Cambodian and Vietnamese are essential.
“Through frequent visitor exchanges, we can increase our understanding of one another. These meetings have made our cooperation easier, stronger and closer, and this will allow us to find solutions to any unresolved issues that have not yet been agreed upon,” he said.
He added that the good military relationship between the two countries could help them strengthen border safety, combat cross-border crimes and curb the problem of immigration. The relationship will also help them strengthen exchanges and increase their defence capabilities through training, which will boost regional security cooperation.
He highlighted the need for the various agreements between the two neighbours to be implemented in a practical way, rather than through mere diplomatic rhetoric.