Preah Sihanouk (VNA) –Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong, President of the Cambodian Senate SamdechSay Chhum and Deputy Prime Minister-cum-Minister of the Royal Palace SamdechKong Som Ol on July 22 cut the ribbon to inaugurate a Vietnam-CambodiaFriendship Monument in Preah Sihanouk province. 

This is part of the VietnameseParty chief’s State visit to Cambodia from July 20-22 at the invitation ofCambodian King Norodom Sihamoni.

Addressing the inaugurationceremony, Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong said the construction of themonument reflects the tribute paid by the  Parties, States, people and armies of the two countries to Vietnamesevolunteers soldiers as well as officers and soldiers of the Cambodian RoyalArmy who laid down their lives for Cambodia’s independence and freedom.

Highlighting the “good neighbourliness,traditional friendship, comprehensive cooperation and long-term sustainability”between Vietnam and Cambodia, he said despite changes in the regional andglobal situation, Vietnam always attaches importance to and will make everyeffort, together with Cambodia, to make the relationship green and sustainableforever, meeting the aspirations and interests of the two countries’ people,and for peace, stability, cooperation and development in Southeast Asia and theworld at large.

The leader said he firmly believedthat with the determination and efforts of both countries, no force can breakthe close-knit relationship between Vietnam and Cambodia.

Senate President Samdech SayChhum, who is also Vice President of the Cambodian People’s Party (CPP), said thetwo countries have cooperated in building Cambodia-Vietnam Friendship Monumentsin Phnom Penh and 16 provinces, including Preah Sihanouk, across Cambodia sincethe 1980s to pay homage to their soldiers who sacrificed their lives during thestruggle against the Pol Pot genocidal regime.

The bilateral relationship isthriving in various areas, ranging from politics to economy, social affairs,tourism, culture and science-technology, he said, citing two-way burgeoningtrade and progresses made in the settlement of border issues between the twocountries, especially land border.

The same day, Party GeneralSecretary Nguyen Phu Trong visited the Preah Sihanouk International Seaport, the only deep-water port of Cambodia.

Beginningoperation in 1960 after four years of construction, the 150ha seaport is an important entrepotof the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the world as well,with the volume of cargoes and containers handled at the port increasing 10-15percent annually.

Up to 73 percent of Cambodia’s imports and exports are transportedthrough the port, which has contributed 65 million USD to the country’s Statebudget in recent years.

Impressed by the port’s rapid and comprehensive development, PartyGeneral Secretary Trong hoped that it will become a modern port of the regionand the world.

He also spoke highly of cooperation and mutual support between the PreahSihanouk International Seaport and Vietnam’s ports, including those in HaiPhong and Ho Chi Minh City, suggesting the two sides advance their collaborationto practically contribute to economic, trade and investment development in eachnation.

Also on July 22, the Party chief met with officials of the VietnameseConsulate General in Preah Sihanouk province.

On July 21 evening, CPP President and Prime Minister of CambodiaSamdech Hun Sen hosted a banquet in honour of Party General Secretary NguyenPhu Trong and his encourage.

PM Hun Sen said the CPP and Cambodian people will do their utmost toconsolidate and develop the solidarity, traditional friendship andcomprehensive cooperation between the two Parties, Governments and people, forthe sake of both nations, and for peace, stability and development in theregion and the world as well.

He voiced his belief that Party General Secretary Trong’s visit would helpstrengthen the relationship for prosperity of both Vietnam and Cambodia, asneighbouring countries and ASEAN members.

Sharing PM Hun Sen’s view, the Vietnamese leader believed that underthe sound leadership of the two Parties and Governments, the bilateralrelationship would certainly develop to a new high in a more practical andeffective manner, meeting the aspirations of their people and for peace,stability, cooperation and development in the region and the world.-VNA