Vietnam always attaches great importance to strengthening ties with neighbouring Cambodia for the benefit of the two nations, said Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc on August 14.

The statement was made when the Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister made a courtesy visit to Cambodian Standing Deputy Prime Minister, Men Som An.

Phuc, member of the Politburo of the Communist Party of Vietnam, is heading a delegation officially visiting Cambodia at the invitation of Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister Ke Kim Yan from Aug. 14 to 16.

Phuc emphasised that the traditional friendship between the two countries has been built-up by the contributions of martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the benefits of the two nations.

Speaking highly of the efforts by the Cambodian-Vietnamese Friendship Association, Phuc expressed his hope that the association would continue playing its role in consolidating the good relationship between the two neighbours.

On her part, Cambodian Standing Deputy Prime Minister Men Som An reaffirmed that the traditional friendship and cooperation between the two countries is a valuable asset and should be brought into play in all areas.

Men Som An, who is also chairwoman of the Cambodian-Vietnamese Friendship Association, expressed her thanks for the contributions of the Communist Party of Vietnam, the State and people in helping Cambodian people escape from the Khmer Rouge genocidal regime, as well as in the rebuilding and development of Cambodia recently.

On the same day, Phuc visited the Vietnamese Embassy in Cambodia. He urged the embassy’s staff to continue playing an active role in promoting the friendly relations with Cambodia in all fields.

Previously, Phuc had laid a wreath at the Vietnamese Volunteer Soldiers’ Monument in the capital city of Phnom Penh.-VNA