HCM City (VNA) – Ho Chi Minh City hadpromoted its strategic economic, political and military position in defendingthe southwest border region and undertaking international missions in Cambodiain 1979 – 1989, heard a workshop held in the city on July 20.

The event took place on the occasion of the 40thanniversary of the victory of the southwest border defence war and the northborder defence war (1979 – 2019) and the 30th anniversary of internationalmissions in Cambodia (1989 – 2019).

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Ngoc Ha, Deputy Directorof Ho Chi Minh National Political Academy, presented historical data about thetime when HCM City’s army and people contributed their efforts and logistics tothe two border defence wars, especially in the southwest region, andimplementation of international missions in Cambodia.

Despite facing numerous difficulties in addressing social andeconomic consequences left over from war and the old regime, HCM City stillactively supported Phnom Penh to rebuild life from the ashes of the genocidalregime. 

He added that in the southwest border defence war andimplementation of international missions in Cambodia, HCM City demonstrated thehighest spirit of responsibility as well as contributed human and materialresources to defend the southwest and help Cambodia revive from the genocidal regime.

Le Van Minh, deputy head of the municipal PartyCommittee’s Commission for Communication and Education, said the southwestborder defence war of Vietnamese army and people was a must-fight war forjustice and a symbol of the faithful neighbourlihood between Vietnamese andCambodian people, while the north border war was to fight for nationalindependence, freedom and territorial integrity.

While recalling historical milestones in theglorious years of the two border defence wars and implementation ofinternational missions in Cambodia, Minh said the workshop significantlycontributed to creating a firm scientific foundation in the fight againstdistortion of history as well as promoting revolutionary traditions, especiallyamong young generations.

Dr. Le Hong Liem, Vice Chairman of theVietnam-Cambodia Friendship Association, said that it is necessary to tell thehistorical truth about the sacrifices and losses of the Vietnamese army andpeople in the years of defending the southwest border and helping Cambodiaoverthrow the Pol Pot genocidal regime.

He suggested paying more attention to holdingstrategic and long-term activities to reinforce the solidarity and friendshipbetween Vietnam and Cambodia.

More than 90 reports were presented at theworkshop, focusing on the crucial role of HCM City in the border defence warsalong with the city’s close and effective coordination with south-western andnorthern localities in national defence, and with Cambodian army and people inthe fight against the Pol Pot genocide.-VNA