At the meeting, the two sides expressed their delight at the encouraging results of cooperation between the two cities in recent times and pledged to promote the implementation of the signed agreements.

The two sides agreed to continue developing their cooperation in many fields, and strengthening the traditional solidarity and friendship between the two countries' people.

On this occasion, Chairman Quan presented two modern eye machines worth US$7,000 to Phnom Penh. He said that Ho Chi Minh City will boost its cooperation with the Cambodian capital in education, health, culture and social issues, especially staff training, eye surgery and poverty reduction.

Mayor Chuktema expressed his hope that the relationship between the two countries will further develop not only in culture, social issues and health but also in economics, trade and investment.

During its September 7-9 working visit, the delegation will attend the closing ceremony of the 2004-06 free eye surgery programme for the poor in Phnom Penh, which was jointly carried out by the HCM City Sponsoring Association for Poor Patients and the HCM City Eye Hospital.