Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong held talks with Cambodian King Nodorom Sihamoni following an official welcoming ceremony for the Vietnamese Party leader in Phnom Penh on July 20^th.

Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong (left) and Cambodian King Nodorom Sihamoni hold talks in Phnom Penh on July 20^th. (Credit: VNA)

Welcoming the Vietnamese Party chief and his entourage, the King described the visit of Nguyen Phu Trong as an especially important milestone in the fine neighbourliness, traditional friendship and comprehensive cooperation between Vietnam and Cambodia in the context of the two countries celebrating the 50^th anniversary of diplomatic ties (June 24^th).

The host and guest exchanged on their respective countries’ recent affairs and expressed their delight at progress achieved by both sides.

The two leaders looked back on bilateral engagement in the past five decades and agreed that the ties, fostered by generations of Vietnamese and Cambodian leaders and people, have successfully overcome obstacles and yielded fruitful outcomes.

King Sihamoni expressed his deep gratitude for Vietnam’s support to Cambodia during its past struggle for national liberation and against the genocidal Khmer Rouge regime, as well as in the periods of rebuilding and developing the country.

Regarding Vietnam as a great and trustworthy friend of Cambodia, he said his nation will always stand by Vietnam’s side as a loyal friend and close neighbour.

King Nodorom Sihamoni vowed to continue his father King Norodom Sihanouk’s legacy in cementing the long-standing friendship with Vietnam.

For his part, Party General Secretary Trong stated the growth of Vietnam is closely linked with assistance from international friends, including Cambodia.

He took the occasion to invite King Nodorom Sihamoni and the Queen Mother Norodom Monineath Sihanouk to visit Vietnam this year and in the following years, which was accepted by the King.

Both host and guest pledged their commitments to making all-out efforts in the next generations with the Vietnam-Cambodia traditional relationship and comprehensive cooperation.

Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong and his entourage laid flowers at the Vietnam-Cambodia Friendship Monument.

On the day, Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong and his entourage laid flowers at the statue of Norodom Sihanouk, and visited the King’s mother Norodom Monineath Sihanouk.

They also laid a floral tribute to the Independence Monument, the Norodom Sihanouk Memorial, and the Vietnam-Cambodia Friendship Monument./.

VNF/VNA