He said during talks and meetings with PM Khai, the Cambodian government and legislative top leaders expressed their gratitude to Vietnam for helping Cambodia escape from genocide and rebuilding the country.

PM Khai and his Cambodian counterpart Hun Sen agreed to increase bilateral ties in various fields and discussed plans for raising the two countries’ economic co-operation on a par with diplomatic ties, said the diplomat.

The two leaders underscored their determination to develop the two countries’ border areas into special economic zones, advancing peace, stability and prosperity, FM Nien noted.

They reached an agreement on intensifying cooperation to help maintain security, economic development and social stability in each country, FM Nien added.

He also told the reporters that PM Hun Sen confirmed his country’s support for Vietnam’s accession to the World Trade Organisation (WTO) and candidacy for a non-permanent seat at the United Nations Security Council  (2008-09).

On his part, PM Khai told his Cambodian counterpart that Vietnam, as the host of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit in 2006, will back up Cambodia’s bid to become an APEC member.

During the visit, PM Khai paid a courtesy visit to King Norodom Sihamoni, who expressed his belief that that the relations between the two countries will last forever.