Rivals on the Pitch, Friends Across Borders: How SEA Games Boosts International Relations

At the meeting between Vietnamese Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Nguyen Van Hung and Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister Samdech Pichey Sena Tea Banh. Photo: icd.gov.vn

Cambodia - the host country of the SEA Games 32 - received the Southeast Asian Games Federation flag from Vietnam at the closing ceremony of SEA Games 31 in Hanoi on May 23 night.

At a working session with Vietnamese Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Nguyen Van Hung in Hanoi on May 24, Deputy PM Tea Banh thanked Vietnam for its warm and sincere welcome to Cambodia’s sports delegation.

Tea Banh also expressed his honor to be present at the closing ceremony and receive the flag.

For his part, Hung said Vietnam received the active coordination and support from Cambodia and other Southeast Asian nations in the organisation of SEA Games 31, the biggest regional sport event.

Vietnam stands ready to share its experience with organizing a massive sporting event, he said, pledging that the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism will actively assist Cambodia to host the Games, to be held in 2023, in the spirit of comprehensive cooperation.

Expanding tourism cooperation

At the closing ceremony of SEA Games 31. Photo: VNA

Hung said the visit to Vietnam by Deputy PM Tea Banh and other Cambodian guests takes place as the two countries are celebrating the 55th anniversary of their diplomatic ties.

The visit will contribute to enhancing solidarity and friendship between Vietnam and Cambodia, and other Southeast Asian nations, he stressed.

Highlighting the Vietnam-Cambodia friendship that is developing fruitfully, Hung mentioned bilateral tourism collaboration, which, he said, would pave way for the successful organisation of SEA Games 32.

The minister suggested the two countries join hands in launching tours connecting their heritage sites to attract more tourists.

He also proposed Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos prioritize tourism in the development triangle to recover and promote the sector in the three countries more comprehensively./.

Cambodia win the bronze in the men's indoor volleyball of SEA Games 31. Photo: VNA

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