A ceremony was held in Ho Chi Minh City on January 7 to mark the 35thanniversary of the victory in the southwest border defence war and thejoint victory of Vietnam and Cambodia over the genocidal Khmer Rougeregime (January 7, 1979-2014).

The event,organised by the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organisations’ and theVietnam-Cambodia Friendship Association (VCFA)’s chapters in HCM City,was attended by representatives from municipal departments and sectors,the Cambodia-Vietnam Friendship Association, and the Cambodian ConsulateGeneral in the city.

Addressing the ceremony, VCFAPresident Truong Minh Nhut underlined the historical significance of thevictory, saying that it was a milestone of pure and faithful solidarityand special friendship between Vietnam and Cambodia.

He said the victory saved Cambodia from the Khmer Rouge regime andhelped the country enter into a new era of independence and freedom,adding that it also opened a new page in the history of relationsbetween the two countries.

Nhut affirmed that thesolidarity of the two countries’ people played an important role inhelping both sides overcome obstacles to attain the great victory.

While expressing his gratitude to the Vietnamese Party, State, Armyand people for all they did for Cambodia, Cambodian Consul General inHCM City Sim Sokhom stressed his country’s people are forever gratefulfor and will not forget the great support from Vietnamese volunteersoldiers, who laid down their lives for Cambodia’s national liberation35 years ago.

Vietnam’s valuable assistance in all aspects contributed to his country’s present development, and thesolidarity and friendship between the two nations is a solid foundationto promote all-around cooperation between them, he added.-VNA