Vietnam, Cambodia mark 50 years of diplomatic relations

Vietnam-Cambodia relations have a unique character heavily influenced by the war with the US and the experience that was gained shaping a common present and future despite that terrible crisis, said Nguyen Thanh Phong chair of the Committee.

Today, 42 years after that war the two countries continue to share both their development and their values.

The political affinity and social ties between the peoples of the two countries have been woven over time, and their relations are characterized by large-scale youth and student exchanges, twin city relationships, and cultural, scientific and sports connections.

The memory of the past will always be a cornerstone of the relationship between the two countries, Mr Phong noted.

Im Heng, Cambodia Consul General, in turn added that the people of his country will never forget the invaluable support of the Vietnamese government and its people in the liberation from genocide and return to a community that shares the values of human rights and the rule of law.

These shared values are a strong connecting link between the two countries. Cambodians regard Vietnamese as a vital partner and friend in the international arena, particularly within ASEAN.

Still, he said, there is a need to strengthen even further the special ties between the governments and the peoples of the two countries, and to reinforce them for the coming decades.

Therefore, we Cambodians, he underscored, regard the 50th year of diplomatic ties between the two countries as an opportunity to refresh the relationship and fill it with additional content for the sake of the future.

A photo exhibition on Vietnam-Cambodia relations opened the same day on Nguyen Hue St in District 1 of HCM City as a special cultural event as part of the celebration of five decades of diplomatic relations.