Vietnamese Ambassador to Cambodia Nguyễn Huy Tăng. — VNA?VNS Photo Hoàng Minh

Vietnamese Ambassador to Cambodia Nguyễn Huy Tăng talks to the Vietnam News Agency about the upcoming official visit of Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet from the Kingdom of Cambodia to Việt Nam on December 11-12.

Approximately a month after the Kingdom of Cambodia formed the Royal Government for its 7th term, you paid a courtesy visit to the newly appointed Prime Minister, Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet, in mid-October. What are the key points to be taken from that meeting?

The meeting highlighted the enduring relationship built on principles of "good neighbours, traditional friendship, comprehensive cooperation, and long-term sustainability."

This relationship has been continuously strengthened through high-level exchanges and has actively promoted cooperation mechanisms across various sectors, resulting in positive changes in economic and trade cooperation.

Acknowledging recent cooperation successes, both parties committed to further expanding and strengthening cooperation across all areas, consolidating bilateral cooperation effectiveness.

Prime Minister Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet affirmed Cambodia's dedication to maintaining cooperative ties with Việt Nam, aiming to cultivate and strengthen comprehensive relations.

Future cooperation directions were discussed, emphasising increased exchange of delegations at all levels to deepen ties and broaden existing mechanisms between Việt Nam, Laos and Cambodia. The focus is on expanding comprehensive trade, investment and tourism cooperation, emphasising border trade strengths. Additionally, both sides considered exploring new potential areas of collaboration and seeking adequate opportunities for mutual benefit.

How do you assess the outcomes of Việt Nam-Cambodia cooperation in the post-COVID-19 pandemic context, and what are the prospects for collaboration between the two countries in the foreseeable future?

Việt Nam and Cambodia have demonstrated commendable efforts in effectively managing the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to the successful reopening of their respective countries. Immediately following the reopening, both nations resumed diplomatic relations and engaged in bilateral and multilateral foreign affairs activities. Notably, throughout 2022, various activities were organised to commemorate the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Việt Nam and Cambodia.

In 2023, Prime Minister Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet participated in meetings with vital Vietnamese leaders at international forums and conferences. Crucial bilateral mechanisms, including summits between the two parties, intergovernmental committees, and seminars on cooperation and development in border provinces, continue to be actively maintained.

Moreover, both countries are dedicated to enhancing economic, trade and investment relations. Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the relationship between the two nations has experienced significant positive changes. Two-way trade turnover between Việt Nam and Cambodia continues to grow steadily. In 2021, bilateral trade turnover reached US$9.54 billion, increasing to $10.57 billion in 2022. In the first ten months of 2023, it is expected to reach approximately $7.1 billion. For the full year 2023, although trade turnover is projected to decrease compared to 2022, it is anticipated to surpass $9 billion.

In tourism, 2023 is witnessing remarkable growth in tourism exchanges between the two countries. During the first ten months of the year, the number of Vietnamese tourists visiting Cambodia exceeded 880,000, while Cambodian tourists visiting Việt Nam reached over 300,000.

Additionally, numerous untapped areas remain open for cooperation, including various forms of tourism such as eco-tourism, spiritual tourism, resort tourism and medical tourism. Both nations are exploring the possibility of connecting tourist routes between destinations and scenic spots under the motto "One journey to two countries" or "One journey to three countries" involving Việt Nam, Cambodia and Laos. Further potential lies in green-clean economic development, renewable energy, information technology and intelligent agriculture.

Given the agreed-upon commitments, the determination of both governments, and the spirit of innovation, creativity and flexibility, Việt Nam-Cambodia cooperation is poised to unlock numerous opportunities and realise its potential for development in the future.

Considering the prospect of cooperation, how do you assess the content and significance of the upcoming official visit to Việt Nam by Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet?

The forthcoming visit of Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet to Việt Nam holds immense significance, unfolding within the backdrop of notably positive strides in the relations between the two nations.

Recent times have witnessed both countries actively engaging in a series of activities to commemorate the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations, followed by the Việt Nam-Cambodia and Cambodia-Việt Nam Friendship Year 2022.

In 2023, Cambodia is poised to successfully host pivotal events, namely the 32nd Southeast Asian Games and the remarkable 12th Southeast Asian Para Games. These events promise to evoke profound emotions, endearing themselves to international friends and significantly elevating Cambodia's standing and prestige on the global stage.

In light of these developments, I believe that Prime Minister Hun Manet's upcoming visit to Việt Nam will substantially contribute to further solidifying and intensifying the relationship characterised by "Good neighbours, traditional friendship, comprehensive cooperation and long-term sustainability." This visit will be crucial in deepening these ties on equality, mutual benefit, effective collaboration, and respect for each other's interests. Consequently, it is expected to propel Việt Nam-Cambodia relations to new heights. — VNS