Phnom Penh — Party General Secretary Nguyễn Phú Trọng held talks with Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni following an official welcoming ceremony for the Vietnamese Party leader in Phnom Penh on Thursday.

Welcoming the Vietnamese Party chief and his entourage, the King described the visit of Nguyễn Phú Trọng as an especially important milestone in the good neighbourliness, traditional friendship and comprehensive co-operation between Việt Nam and Cambodia in the context of the two countries celebrating 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties (June 24).

The host and guest exchanged news on their respective countries’ recent affairs and expressed their delight at progress achieved by both sides.

The two leaders looked back on bilateral engagement in the past five decades and agreed that the ties, fostered by generations of Vietnamese and Cambodian leaders and people, have overcome obstacles and yielded fruitful outcomes.

King Sihamoni expressed his deep gratitude toward Việt Nam’s support for Cambodia during its past struggle for national liberation and against the genocidal Khmer Rouge regime, as well as in the periods of rebuilding and developing the country.

Calling Việt Nam a great and trustworthy friend of Cambodia, he said his nation will always stand by Việt Nam’s side as a good neighbour.

King Norodom Sihamoni vowed to continue his father King Norodom Sihanouk’s legacy in cementing the long-standing friendship with Việt Nam.

For his part, Party General Secretary Trọng stated the growth of Việt Nam is closely linked with assistance from international friends, including Cambodia.

He took the occasion to invite King Norodom Sihamoni and the Queen Mother Norodom Monineath Sihanouk to visit Việt Nam this year and in following years, which was accepted by the King.

Both host and guest pledged their commitments to spare no effort in imbuing the next generations with the Việt Nam-Cambodia traditional relationship and comprehensive cooperation. — VNS