Cambodian PM Hun Sen welcomes Vietnamese State President Nguyen Xuan Phuc in Phnom Penh during the latter's visit in December 2021. (Photo: baoquocte.vn)

Despite enduring ups and downs throughout history, both sides have gone on to treasure their close-knit relationship as it has been constantly nurtured and preserved by generations of leaders and people of the two countries. They have both stood alongside each other in the cause of national liberation and jointly built peaceful, happy, and prosperous states.

The solidarity, affection, and mutual support of the two peoples served as the driving force and strength for the two countries to stand together to overcome the genocidal regime of former Cambodian dictator Pol Pot, and revitalise relations in general.

Dr. Kin Phea, deputy director of the Royal Academy of Cambodia, points out that Vietnam, especially through the use of its volunteer soldiers, played a pivotal role in overthrowing the Khmer Rouge regime and rebuilding Cambodia.

The co-operation, solidarity, friendship, and support from Vietnamese volunteer soldiers operating in Cambodia is of historical value, which is a reality that cannot be denied, says Dr. Kin Phea.

The numerous achievements that both countries have jointly recorded over the past 55 years have not only resulted in the victory of the national liberation struggle, but have also manifested themselves in the development of bilateral relations across all fields in the process of national construction and development.

Amidst the negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic over the past two years, mutual ties have been increasingly promoted. Indeed, the two countries joined hands to effectively prevent the pandemic and assist each other in various ways, both mentally and physically. They regularly co-ordinated closely, shared timely information, and supported each other at international and regional forums, especially within co-operation frameworks such as ASEAN, the UN, and the Greater Mekong Subregion.

At present, bilateral relations are developing well under the motto of ‘good neighbourliness, traditional friendship, comprehensive cooperation, long-term sustainability’.

Vietnamese Ambassador to Cambodia Nguyen Huy Tang.

Vietnamese Ambassador to Cambodia Nguyen Huy Tang affirms that the two sides have reinforced political ties and are seeking to promote the education of the two peoples, especially the younger generations about the role, importance, and strategic significance of mutual relations, so as to enhance political trust and create a solid social foundation for strengthening their comprehensive relations.

Along with these efforts, he says both countries have promoted co-operation in the fields of security, defence, and foreign affairs to help maintain the environment for national development and greater economic co-operation.

Sum So Phonl, an alumnus of a university based in Phnom Penh, says neighbouring countries like Cambodia and Vietnam must rely on each other to develop in a sustainable manner, whilst young people have the responsibility to preserve this special relationship.

The important achievements recorded in each country, as well as their extensive and effective co-operation over the past 55 years are anticipated to create an essential prerequisite for the two countries to build on this legacy moving forward.