Phnom Penh (VNA) – Vietnam’s consistent policy of attaching great importance to and continuously strengthening relationship with Cambodia is clearly demonstrated by General Secretary To Lam’s upcoming state visit to the neighbouring country shortly after the 14th National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV), according to the Cambodian media.
In an article by published on The Khmer Times on February 4, Uch Leang, Acting Director of the Department of Asian, African, and Middle-East Studies under the International Relations Institute of Cambodia (IRIC) at the Royal Academy of Cambodia (RAC), stressed that this is a consistent policy stemming from the very nature of Vietnam’s peaceful and humane foreign policy, oriented towards shared development.
Entitled “The Consistency of Vietnam’s policy towards Cambodia,” the article wrote Vietnam regards relations with neighbouring countries as a top priority in its foreign policy, aiming to build an environment of peace, friendship, stability, and cooperative development.
Uch Leang observed that Cambodia-Vietnam relations are clearly institutionalised in the foreign policy of the CPV and the Vietnamese State.
According to the article, Vietnam has consistently reaffirmed its foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, peace, cooperation, and development, as well as diversification and multilateralisation of international relations. Within this framework, relations with neighboring countries, especially Cambodia and Laos, are always identified as top priorities with long-term strategic significance.
The consistency of Vietnam’s policy towards Cambodia is clearly reflected in practical actions, it said, noting that the decision by Party General Secretary To Lam to choose Cambodia as an important destination shortly after the 14th National Party Congress carries profound political significance, affirming that Vietnam consistently values and prioritises its relationship with Cambodia in the new stage of development.
Vietnam not only values its relationship with Cambodia in political and diplomatic terms, but also proactively deepens cooperation in a substantive manner, closely linked to the concrete interests of the people of both countries, The Khmer Times noted, stressing that cooperation in economy, trade, investment, defence and security, education and training, culture, and people-to-people exchanges is promoted in a comprehensive and coordinated way, toward the shared goals of sustainable development, improved living standards, and the building of a peaceful, stable, and friendly border.
This approach demonstrates that Vietnam regards its friendship with Cambodia not merely as a “historical legacy to be preserved,” but as an important resource for the present and future development of both countries, it said.
Through his article, Uch Leang highlighted Vietnam’s consistency in valuing and seeking to consolidate and deepen its relationship with Cambodia originates from its fundamental character as a peace-loving nation that prioritises stability and shared development. This consistency is reflected throughout its strategic thinking, foreign policy, and practical actions.
On the foundation of long-standing traditional friendship, solidarity, and close bonds, Vietnam remains steadfast in working together with Cambodia to build good neighbourly relations, comprehensive cooperation, and long-term sustainable partnership, for the tangible benefits of the people of both countries and for peace and stability in the region and the world, the article added./.
