Phnom Penh (VNA) – As the Lunar New Year (Tet) approaches, a series of meaningful activities have been held in Cambodia to share Tet joy with people of Vietnamese origin and to strengthen the traditional friendship between Vietnam and Cambodia.
On February 9, Viettel Cambodia (Metfone), in coordination with the Vietnamese Embassy in Cambodia and the Khmer–Vietnamese Association in Cambodia (KVA), organised a Tet celebration programme and presented more than 1,000 Tet gift packages to disadvantaged Vietnamese-origin families across the country.
A total of 1,075 Tet gift packages worth 22,655 USD were delivered to households in nine provinces and cities with large Vietnamese-origin communities. The programme aimed to help overseas compatriots enjoy a warmer, more complete Tet, while reinforcing their confidence in a brighter year ahead and Vietnam’s new development era.
Addressing the event, Metfone General Director Cao Manh Duc said the Vietnamese-origin community in Cambodia has long been an integral part of the close-knit and enduring friendship between the two nations. Despite living far from their homeland, they have preserved the Vietnamese language, customs and traditions, while demonstrating diligence and resilience that continue to strengthen bilateral ties.
He stressed that Metfone’s business philosophy places social responsibility alongside sustainable growth, affirming the company’s long-term commitment to humanitarian and community-support programmes. Beyond Tet gift-giving, Metfone has regularly organised free medical check-ups, provided medicines, and awarded scholarships to Vietnamese-origin students facing difficulties.
Vietnamese Ambassador to Cambodia Nguyen Minh Vu highlighted the programme’s significance during Tet, a time of reunion and solidarity. He expressed hope that Vietnamese enterprises operating in Cambodia would continue supporting the Vietnamese-origin community in improving livelihoods, integrating into local society, and contributing to Cambodia’s development and bilateral relations, especially following Party General Secretary To Lam’s state visit to Cambodia on February 6. He voiced confidence that Vietnam–Cambodia relations would reach new heights, with the overseas Vietnamese community playing an increasingly important role.
On the evening of February 8, the Vietnamese Embassy hosted the “Homeland Spring 2026” gathering in Phnom Penh, bringing together around 650 guests, including Vietnamese-origin residents from across Cambodia, Vietnamese businesses, students, and Cambodian and international friends. The event also honoured organisations and individuals who have actively supported the community and bilateral ties over the past year.
Speaking at the gathering, Ambassador Vu reviewed Vietnam’s notable achievements in 2025, particularly in foreign relations and international integration. He noted that Vietnam–Cambodia ties, characterised by good neighbourliness, traditional friendship and comprehensive cooperation, have continued to deepen through frequent high-level exchanges, including Party General Secretary To Lam’s recent visit following the successful 14th National Party Congress.
Samdech Men Sam An, Supreme Advisor to the King of Cambodia, Vice President of the Cambodian People’s Party, and President of the Cambodia–Vietnam Friendship Association, extended New Year wishes and affirmed the enduring friendship between the two countries. She congratulated Vietnam on the success of the 14th National Party Congress, describing it as a milestone marking the country’s entry into a new development era that contributes to regional peace and stability.
Within the programme framework, Ambassador Vu presented 200 Tet gift packages from Party General Secretary To Lam to disadvantaged Vietnamese-origin families and awarded certificates of merit to individuals and groups active in community work.
Cultural performances, traditional Tet displays and Vietnamese cuisine created a warm and memorable atmosphere, reinforcing the Vietnamese-origin community’s strong attachment to their roots and confidence in Vietnam’s prosperous future./.
Vietnam, Cambodia eye stronger front cooperation
Politburo member, Secretary of the Party Central Committee, and President of the Vietnam Fatherland Front (VFF) Central Committee Bui Thi Minh Hoai hosted a reception for Vice President of the Cambodian People's Party (CPP), President of the National Council of the Solidarity Front for the Development of Cambodia Motherland (SFDCM) Samdech Men Sam An in Hanoi on January 26.
