HÀ NỘI — Việt Nam always attaches importance to strengthening the traditional friendship with Cambodia for benefits of both nations, as well as regional and global peace, stability, co-operation and development, General Secretary of the Communist Party of Việt Nam, President Nguyễn Phú Trọng has said.

Meeting with Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni in Hà Nội yesterday, the Vietnamese leader congratulated the Cambodian people on the achievements they have made under the reign of King Sihamoni and the leadership of the Senate, National Assembly and Government.

He recalled the traditional solidarity between the two nations as well as the valuable support and help that late King Norodom Sihanouk and the Cambodian people gave Việt Nam during its struggle for national independence and reunification.

The Vietnamese leader expressed his delight at meeting King Sihamoni again, a close friend of the Vietnamese people, stressing that the King’s ongoing holiday showed his special feelings toward Việt Nam.

On the occasion, he extended his best wishes to Queen Mother Monineath Sihanouk, and invited the King and Queen Mother to make a state visit or holiday to Việt Nam at a convenient time.

King Sihamoni, for his part, noted with pleasure the development of Việt Nam-Cambodia ties in the past five decades, adding that the two countries have enjoyed good co-operation in all spheres as well as at regional and international forums, including the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

Describing Việt Nam as a great friend and a close neighbour of the Cambodian people, the King affirmed that he will continue efforts to consolidate co-operation between the two nations.

The Cambodian people appreciate and will never forget the valuable support the Vietnamese Party, State and people have reserved for them in all circumstances, he said. 

Earlier, Party General Secretary, President Nguyễn Phú Trọng and King Norodom Sihamoni visited the President Hồ Chí Minh relic site at the Presidential Palace in the capital. — VNS