The Vietnamese Embassy in Cambodia held a sombre ceremony in Phnom Penh on June 21 to mark the 45th anniversary of Vietnamese-Cambodian diplomatic ties and the 2012 Vietnam-Cambodia Friendship Year.

Present at the ceremony were Cambodia ’s Standing Deputy Prime Minister and President of the Cambodia-Vietnam Friendship Association, Men Sam On; acting President of the Cambodian Senate, Say Chhum and the Vice President of Cambodia’s National Assembly, Khuon Sudary.

When addressing the event, Vietnam ’s Ambassador to Cambodia Ngo Anh Dung, said that in recent years the comprehensive cooperation between both countries has developed remarkably, benefiting both countries and peoples. Vietnam is a trusted friend and partner of the international community, especially neighbouring Cambodia , he added.

Deputy PM Men Sam On said that the friendly relationship between Vietnam and Cambodia has existed for a long time and became closer after the two countries first established diplomatic ties 45 years ago. Many senior-level delegations have been exchanged and activities to promote cooperation in politics, economy, trade and tourism are held regularly to high effect.

To mark the anniversary, Ho Chi Minh City also held a ceremony on June 22. Speaking at the ceremony, President of the city’s People’s Committee Le Hoang Quan stated that together that with the development of Vietnamese-Cambodian relations at national level, the city, as Vietnam ’s economic, cultural, scientific and technical centre, has tried its utmost to implement the guidelines issued by the leaders of both countries. The city itself has boosted bilateral relations by carrying out cooperative activities with provinces and cities around Cambodia .

The city has established relations with Cambodia ’s capital Phnom Penh since 1999 and has continuously consolidated and expanded the ties with many successful projects in trade, agriculture, health, education and training.

Up to now, the city has invested in 34 projects in Cambodia with a total capital of 198 million USD. Two-way trade turnover between the city and Cambodia reached over 210 million USD in 2011 and it also holds regular trade fairs and exhibitions in Cambodia to strengthen investment, trade and tourism cooperation.

Similar ceremonies also took place in the Mekong Delta provinces of An Giang and Kien Giang and at the Military Academy of Technology in Hanoi.-VNA