Defence delegations from Việt Nam and Cambodia discussing closer diplomacy between the two nations. VNA/VNS Photo

HÀ NỘI - A ceremony was held on Thursday to officially inaugurate a hotline between the General Staff of the Việt Nam People's Army and the General Command of the Royal Cambodian Army.

Now operational, the hotline is anticipated to significantly enhance defence diplomacy, furthering the strong and growing bonds of friendship, solidarity and cooperation between Việt Nam and Cambodia.

The ceremony, conducted concurrently at the headquarters of both the Việt Nam People's Army and the Royal Cambodian Army, was co-chaired by Senior Lieutenant General Huỳnh Chiến Thắng, a member of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Việt Nam and Deputy Chief of the General Staff of the Việt Nam People's Army and General Vong Veasna, Deputy Commander of the Royal Cambodian Army.

In his remarks, Senior Lieutenant General Huỳnh Chiến Thắng underscored the close and historic ties between Việt Nam and Cambodia. The two neighbouring nations, he noted, share a deep-rooted tradition of camaraderie, having stood together in the fight against colonialism and imperialism and in the overthrow of the genocidal Pol Pot regime, thereby securing independence, freedom and happiness for their peoples. Việt Nam, he affirmed, remains deeply committed to and places utmost priority on the continuous reinforcement and development of its enduring, comprehensive and sustainable relationship with Cambodia.

Senior Lieutenant General Huỳnh Chiến Thắng praised the concerted efforts of the Communications Corps, the Cipher Department (under the General Staff of the Việt Nam People's Army), the 86 Command and Viettel Military Industry and Telecoms Group, along with their Cambodian counterparts—the Information Command, Cipher Department and Metfone Company of the Royal Cambodian Army. He highlighted that recent advancements in bilateral defence cooperation have been both comprehensive and increasingly effective, reinforcing this collaboration as a cornerstone of the Việt Nam-Cambodia relationship.

In recognition of the evolving demands of the current era, the General Staff of the Việt Nam People's Army and the General Command of the Royal Cambodian Army have jointly established this hotline to swiftly address matters of mutual concern. This important initiative is set to further strengthen the traditional friendship between the two nations, particularly within their armed forces.

To ensure the hotline's optimal functioning, Senior Lieutenant General Huỳnh Chiến Thắng called on the relevant departments within the Ministries of Defence and the General Staff of both countries to continue their guidance and support. He urged them to work closely with the Communications Corps, the Cipher Department, the 86 Command and Viettel, in collaboration with their Cambodian counterparts, to maintain the hotline’s full operational readiness.

The Communications Corps, in coordination with the Cipher Department (under the General Staff of the Việt Nam People's Army), the 86 Command and Viettel, will work closely with their counterparts on a weekly basis to conduct regular checks and communication tests. Any issues that arise will be promptly addressed to ensure that the hotline remains clear and fully operational, ready to facilitate seamless communication and collaboration between the leadership of the General Staff of the Việt Nam People's Army and the General Command of the Royal Cambodian Army.

General Vong Veasna, while praising the strong and friendly relations between Cambodia and Việt Nam, emphasised the importance of the hotline’s establishment, noting that it would further strengthen the ties between the two armies. VNS