Vietnam, Cambodia seek to strengthen defence ties

(Bqp.vn) -Defence Minister General Ngo Xuan Lich hosted a reception in Hanoi on October 30 for General VongPisen, General Commander of the Cambodian Royal Armed Forces who is on an official visit to Vietnam from October 29-31.

Sen. Lieut. Gen Phan Van Giang (L) and General VongPisen inspecting the guard of honour of the Vietnam People’s Army. (photo: ThuyLinh)

At the meeting, General VongPisen briefed the host on the outcomes of his talks with Sen. Lieut. Gen Phan Van Giang, Chief of General Staff of the Vietnam People’s Army.

At the reception. (photo: ThuyLinh)

Minister Lich lauded the achievements that the Cambodian people and Royal Armed Forces have made, expressing his belief that General VongPisen’s visit would help reinforce and strengthen the traditional friendship, solidarity and comprehensive and sustainable cooperation between the two countries and armies as well.

Defence Minister General Ngo Xuan Lich (L) and General VongPisen. (photo: ThuyLinh)

Earlier the same day, Sen. Lieut. Gen Phan Van Giang and General VongPisen held talks.

Sen. Lieut. Gen Phan Van Giang (R) and General VongPisen. (photo: ThuyLinh)

Giang underscored that the Party, State, army and people of Vietnam always remember the priceless support that the Government, people and army of Cambodia gave Vietnam during the past struggle for independence as well as the current national construction and defence.

The two sides at the talks. (photo: ThuyLinh)

Vietnam always attaches importance to preserving and developing the sound traditional ties with Cambodia, considering the relationship as the priceless asset of both nations.

General VongPisen affirmed that defence cooperation between the two countries is one of important matters receiving attention of senior leaders of both sides.

He stressed his wish that the sound relationship between the two countries’ armies will continue to be fostered, contributing to the steadiness of the comprehensive partnership between the two countries, and ensuring the stability and political security in Vietnam and Cambodia.

At the talks, both sides lauded cooperation outcomes between the General Staff of the Vietnam People’s Army and the Cambodian Royal Armed Forces over the past years, saying the attainment has contributed to the expansion of the sound neighbourliness between the two countries.

The partnership between the two armies has become a key pillar in the ties between the two countries, contributing to promoting the growth of bilateral ties between the two sides in other fields, they said.

The two sides in a joint photo. (photo: ThuyLinh)

In the future, the two sides will continue directing agencies of both sides to strictly and efficiently implement cooperation plans between the two Defence Ministries in 2019.

The two sides will also enhance mutual support among military zones, while coordinating closely in searching and repatriating remains of Vietnamese soldiers who fell down in Cambodia, strengthening joint patrols, border management, criminal combat, and ensuring political security and social safety in border areas.

(Source: VNA)