HCM CITY — All 17 Việt Nam-Cambodia friendship monuments in Cambodia will see their repairs and upgrades completed by the first quarter of next year, the Cambodian side reported to the Vietnamese military, which is funding the work.

Speaking at the third review meeting in HCM City on Tuesday, Nhem Valy, vice chairman and general secretary of the National Council of the Solidarity Front for Development of Cambodian Motherland, said: “These monuments are not only dedicated to Cambodians and Vietnamese volunteers who laid down their lives for Cambodia’s liberation, but are also an everlasting symbol of the time-honoured solidarity and friendship between the two countries.

“We are very grateful to receive support fund from the Vietnamese Ministry of Defence to upgrade the monuments and make them public spaces for local residents.”

The work began late last year at a cost of US$7.8 million to mark the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two countries this year.

Deputy Minister of Defence Senior Lieutenant General Lê Chiêm said: “The Việt Nam-Cambodia friendship monuments, which are in various localities in Cambodia, have significant historical and cultural value.

“They are a symbol of the warm sentiments, solidarity, bravery and sacrifices of the people and armies of Việt Nam and Cambodia.

“We would like to express our thanks to the Cambodian central and local governments, relevant authorities, and local residents who have helped us complete the work.”

Upgrades to 12 of the monuments have been completed while work is under way at three others and will begin at the remaining two soon.

The Cambodian side has asked for more funds for expanding some of the 17 monuments and also planned to review other monuments that have not been taken up for repairs or upgrades now.

The two sides have agreed that more monuments could be built in localities with historical significance for their joint forces but without a monument yet.

They will also consider conferring friendship medals on people making great contributions to their bilateral relationship. — VNS