Prime Minister Hun Manet led a delegation to Vietnam on December 11 for a two-day official visit, during which he participated in a signing ceremony of cooperative documents.

Meas Sophorn, spokesperson for the prime minister, noted that the visit encompassed meetings with senior Vietnamese government leaders and investors. 

“In addition to meeting with senior officials of Vietnam, the prime minister delivered a keynote speech on the Cambodian government’s economic policies and the economic relationship between the two nations at the Foreign Trade University [FTU] in Hanoi,” he stated.

He added that Manet witnessed a signing ceremony of collaborative agreements and that the delegation’s visit aimed to reinforce the bonds of friendship between the two countries and strengthen cooperation.

According to a press release from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, the trip was initiated at the invitation of Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh. 

Manet engaged in bilateral meetings, seeking to enhance and expand cooperation in various fields, including education, trade, investment, connectivity, tourism, culture, security, defence and border affairs.

“The visit symbolises a further strengthening of the long-standing relationship, based on the spirit of good neighbourliness, traditional friendship, comprehensive cooperation and long-term stability between Cambodia and Vietnam, for the mutual benefit of the two nations,” stated the release.

Kin Phea, director of the International Relations Institute at the Royal Academy of Cambodia, noted that Manet’s visit to Vietnam was typical for a new leader aiming to solidify friendships with allied countries, similar to Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin’s formal visit to Cambodia. 

“Strengthening good relationships between neighbouring countries is ideal, provided the relationship is founded on the principles of respect for sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity and non-interference in each other’s internal affairs and is mutually beneficial. This is very important in international relations,” he added.

Phea noted the increase in trade volume with Vietnam and said Manet’s visit was expected to yield significant results. 

“The relationship between Cambodia and Vietnam was once marred by historical tensions and remains remembered by the Cambodian people. Therefore, the leaders of both nations have worked tirelessly to mend the scars of the past,” he said.

Phea added that the two countries have successfully delineated their border posts, a process guided by mutual benefits, international law and historical heritage. 

He noted they have also transparently resolved immigration issues, adhering to Cambodian law, international treaties and bilateral agreements. In particular, he said, both have renewed their commitment to granting each other economic land concessions (ELCs), following recent discussions addressing outstanding issues.