Vietnam, Cambodia boost defense ties

(Bqp.vn) - Lieutenant General Phan Van Giang, Chief of the General Staff of the Vietnam People’s Army (VPA), Deputy Defense Minister held talks with General Pol Saroeun, Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Cambodian Army (RCA) in Phnom Penh on March 18.

General Pol Saroeun and Lieutenant General Phan Van Giang inspecting the RCA Guard of Honor. (photo: mod.gov.vn)  

At the talks, General Pol Saroeun stressed the importance of the Vietnamese guest’s visit to the implementation of cooperation agreements between the RCA High Command and the VPA General Staff, consolidating the role of defense engagements as a pillar of bilateral relations.

General Pol Saroeun and Lieutenant General Phan Van Giang. (photo: mod.gov.vn)

For his part, Lieutenant General Phan Van Giang reiterated that Vietnam prioritizes the enhancement of friendship and comprehensive cooperation with other countries, especially those sharing long-time friendship and a borderline with Vietnam like Cambodia.

Both sides took note of sound collaboration between the two armies, particularly in delegation exchange, personnel training, border safeguarding, and the repatriation of remains of Vietnamese soldiers, who died in Cambodia during wartime.

Delegations in the joint photo. (photo: mod.gov.vn)

They agreed to fully and effectively implement the contents of bilateral agreements sealed by high-ranking leaders, for mutual understanding, peace and security.

A day earlier, the Chief of the VPA General Staff and his delegation had a meeting with Prime Minister Hun Sen, who affirmed the Cambodian Government will offer all conditions needed for the two armies to carry out their joint work in all fields.

Prime Minister Hun Sen receving Lieutenant General Phan Van Giang. (photo: mod.gov.vn)

Also on March 17, the Vietnamese delegation met with Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Tea Banh.

Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Tea Banh and Lieutenant General Phan Van Giang. (photo: mod.gov.vn)

Highlighting the necessity for increased cooperation between the two armies, particularly in information exchange, personnel training and joint patrol along the border, Tea Banh pledged to create favorable conditions for those affiliations based on agreement between the two defense ministries.

Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Tea Banh, Lieutenant General Phan Van Giang and the two military delegations in the joint photo. (photo: mod.gov.vn)

Lieutenant General Phan Van Giang noted that the visit demonstrates his respect and commitment to boosting multifaceted engagements between the two armies.

As part of his visit to Cambodia from March 17 to 20, Giang will visit the Vietnam-Cambodia friendship monument in Phnom Penh, the Vietnamese Embassy and some Cambodian military units.

As part of his visit to Cambodia from March 17 to 20, Giang will visit the Vietnam - Cambodia friendship monument in Phnom Penh, the Vietnamese Embassy and some Cambodian military units.

(VNA)