PM Phuc upbeat about thriving Vietnam-Cambodia ties

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc greets Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Prak Sokhonn (L)

PM Phuc expressed his belief that the visit by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Prak Sokhonn would make a positive contribution to deepening the good neighborliness and traditional friendship between the two countries.

The Vietnamese government leader also reaffirmed Vietnam's policy of strengthening and developing the good neighborly relations, time-honoured friendship and comprehensive and long-term cooperation with Cambodia.

He also hailed mutual support between the two nations at regional and international forums and the constantly high growth of bilateral trade turnover, which is expected to reach an annual target of close to US$5 billion this year as set by the two sides' leaders by 2020.

The regular delegation exchange is a testimony to the close relationship between the two countries' leaders, Phuc said, adding that the Vietnamese people are looking forward to the official visit to Vietnam by Prime Minister Samdech Hun Sen in the near future.

PM Phuc suggested that the two foreign ministries continue reviewing high-level agreements and dealing with existing shortcomings in the collaboration of trade, investment, transportation, agro-forestry, and education-training.

He called for joint work to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the victory over the genocidal regime (January 7, 1979), indicating the profound solidarity in combat between the two nations and raising the two people’s awareness of the importance of the historic victory.

PM Phuc urged Sokhonn to continue working closely with relevant Cambodian authorities and localities in the relocation of floating houses of Vietnamese-Cambodians on Tonle Sap Lake in Kampong Chhnang province, as directed by Prime Minister Hun Sen.

Deputy PM Sokhonn congratulated Vietnam on the successful organization of the sixth session of the 14th National Assembly and the election of Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong as State President.

He said he always places priority on developing the friendly neighborliness, comprehensive cooperation and solidarity between the two countries.

Concerning the relocation of the floating houses of Vietnamese-Cambodians, he said the province also devise plans to ensure new housing for the residents, expressing his confidence that both sides will be able to come up with proper solutions in this regard.

At his meeting with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh slated for November 27, both sides will discuss ways to strengthen bilateral relations, especially thorough preparation for Prime Minister Samdech Hun Sen's upcoming visit to Vietnam, Sokhonn told his host.