A meeting to mark the 35th founding anniversary of the Cambodian United Front for National Salvation was held in Pi Thnu commune, Snuon district, Kratie province on December 2.

Chairman of the Vietnam Fatherland Front (VFF) Central Committee Nguyen Thien Nhan and Chairman of the Lao Front for National Construction Central Committee Phanh Duongchet Vongsa were among the guests attending the event.

Speaking at the ceremony, Heng Samrin, President of the National Council of the Solidarity Front for the Development of the Cambodian Motherland (SFDCM) affirmed that the United Front for National Salvation, SFDCM’s precursor, which was established in Pi Thnu commune on December 2, 1978, is a pioneering component of the Cambodian People’s Party (CPP).

The organisation encouraged people to form a united bloc benefitting from the great support of Vietnamese voluntary soldiers and international friends to win a victory against the Pol Pot genocidal regime on January 7, 1979.

According to the Heng Samrin, who is also CPP Honorary President and Chairman of the National Assembly, since its liberation, Cambodia has gained achievements in every aspect from political stabilisation to national development.

The country reached an economic growth of 7.3 percent in 2012 and an estimated 7.6 percent in 2013 while per capita income was 973 USD last year and is expected to reach 1,036 USD this year, he said.

Cambodia has integrated into the region and the world at large with an increasing position in the international arena, he added.

In his message of greetings, VFF Central Committee Chairman Nguyen Thien Nhan said the establishment of the front is an important landmark in Cambodia’s history and the Vietnam-Cambodia friendship and solidarity.

He congratulated SFDCM’s developments as well as the achievements the Cambodian people have made after successfully overthrowing the Pol Pot.

He also thanked the Cambodian people for their support for Vietnam’s struggle for national liberation, construction and defence.

The VFF and SFDCM have the responsibilities to do their best to maintain, develop and uphold the traditional friendship and solidarity between the two countries as well as Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia.

On the occasion, a monument to commemorate fallen soldiers dedicated to Cambodia was inaugurated.-VNA