[Vietnamization: Military, Border] Vietnam, Cambodia boost defence ties

Chief of the General Staff of the Vietnam People’s Army Phan Van Giang and Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Cambodian Army (RCA) Pol Saroeun cut the ribbon to inaugurate the RCA’s office building.

Vietnam, Cambodia boost defence ties

Deputy Defence Minister and Chief of the General Staff of the Vietnam People’s Army (VPA) Phan Van Giang held talks with Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Cambodian Army (RCA) Pol Saroeun in Phnom Penh on March 18.

Vietnam Net Bridge | 18 March 2017

At the talks, Pol Saroeun stressed the importance of the Vietnamese guest’s visit to the implementation of cooperation agreements between the RCA High Command and the VPA General Staff, consolidating the role of defence engagements as a pillar of bilateral relations.

For his part, Phan Van Giang reiterated that Vietnam prioritises the enhancement of friendship and comprehensive cooperation with other countries, especially those sharing long-time friendship and a borderline with Vietnam like Cambodia.

Both sides took note of sound collaboration between the two armies, particularly in delegation exchange, personnel training, border safeguard, and the repatriation of remains of Vietnamese soldiers [a cover to roam all over Cambodia], who died in Cambodia during wartime. 

They agreed to fully and effectively implement the contents of bilateral agreements sealed by high-ranking leaders, for mutual understanding, peace and security.

After their talks, the two officers attended the inauguration ceremony of the RCA’s office building, which was built within the framework of Vietnamese and Cambodian armies’ cooperation.

A day earlier, the Chief of the VPA General Staff and his delegation had a meeting with Prime Minister Hun Sen, who affirmed the Cambodian Government will offer all conditions needed for the two armies to carry out their joint work in all fields.

Also on March 17, the Vietnamese delegation met with Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Tea Banh.  

Highlighting the necessity for increased cooperation between the two armies, particularly in information exchange, personnel training and joint patrol along the border, Tea Banh pledged to create favourable conditions for those affiliations based on agreement between the two defence ministries.

Giang noted that Cambodia is the first country he visits after taking office as Chief of the VPA General Staff, which demonstrates his respect and commitment to boosting multifaceted engagements between the two armies.

As part of his visit to Cambodia from March 17 to 20, Giang will visit the Vietnam-Cambodia friendship monument in Phnom Penh, the Vietnamese Embassy and some Cambodian military units.

VNA