HANOI (Khmer Times): Vietnam Permanent Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Nguyen Minh Vu met with First Deputy Prime Minister Neth Savoeun from Cambodia on Friday, moving to swiftly implement high-level strategic agreements following a landmark state visit earlier this month.
The diplomatic meeting in Phnom Penh served as a primary follow-up to the February 6 high-level summit between the Communist Party of Vietnam and the Cambodian People’s Party. That summit, co-chaired by Vietnam’s General Secretary To Lam, established a new roadmap for comprehensive cooperation and long-term sustainable ties.
Vu delivered personal regards from Vietnam’s top leadership, noting that the dispatch of a working delegation so soon after the Lunar New Year holiday signals Hanoi’s strong political determination. He said that Vietnam aims to translate high-level political commitments into substantive cooperation outcomes through clear programmes and concrete roadmaps.
Vu praised Cambodia’s recent economic trajectory under Prime Minister Hun Manet. He expressed confidence that Cambodia remains on track to achieve upper-middle-income status by 2030 and high-income status by 2050, further elevating its standing in regional and international forums.
In response, Savoeun congratulated Vietnam on the success of the 14th National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam. He commended the country’s significant achievements under General Secretary Tô Lâm, citing Vietnam’s target of securing double-digit economic growth.
The Cambodian First Deputy Prime Minister reiterated that his government consistently prioritises its friendship with Vietnam. He voiced support for Vietnam’s long-term goal of becoming a developed, high-income socialist nation by 2045.
A main focus of the discussion centred on the logistical and legal frameworks overseeing the 1,270-kilometre border between the two nations. Both officials welcomed efforts to accelerate negotiations on managing land border gates and to finalise a new treaty on land border management to replace the outdated 1983 agreement.
They stressed the importance of improving coordination to maintain stable and sustainable bilateral relations for the benefit of both populations.
The meeting concluded with a mutual commitment to maintain close coordination. Neth Savoeun noted that Vietnam’s proactive approach provides fresh momentum for the bilateral relationship, ensuring that strategic orientations are translated into practical action on the ground. -- Khmer Times
