Cambodian newspaper spotlights 45th anniversary of PM’s path to topple Pol Pot regime

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen and his Vietnamese counterpart Pham Minh Chinh (L) at the celebration. (Photo: VNA)

Phnom Penh (VNA) – The Phnom Penh-based English-language newspaper Khmer Times has reported on the ceremony marking the 45th anniversary of Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen’s path to overthrow the Pol Pot genocidalregime, which took place on June 20.

The paper said the Cambodian leader and his Vietnamese counterpart Pham Minh Chinh attended the event in Koh Thmorvillage, Tonlong commune, Memot district, Tboung Khmum province.

The two PMs at the event (Photo: VNA)

Hun Sen reportedly recalled the same day 45 yearsago when he decided to begin his national salvation journey. He was quoted as saying he neverforgot the time being away from his homeland and what the Cambodian people hadto endure.

The Cambodian Government leader also expressed his gratitudefor Vietnamese leaders and people’s assistance for and contributions to Cambodia'sliberation from the genocidal regime.

Lauding the neighbouring nations’ friendship and cooperation,he affirmed that Vietnamese’s support reflected a pure and sound friendshipshared between the two peoples, adding he believes such ties will lastforever.

On June 20, 1977, Hun Sen, then 25 years old, and his fourcomrades crossed Kampong Cham province (now Thbong Khmum) to enter Vietnam toestablish a force to liberate Cambodia and its people. He founded the KampucheanUnited Front for National Salvation the following year.

Together with Vietnamese volunteer soldiers, the forcecompletely defeated the genocidal regime on January 7, 1979, bringing back peaceto the nation and the people.

The paper quoted Hun Sen’s post on his official Facebook page as saying the Ministry of National Defence of Cambodia has been tasked with organising this event everyyear to remind the next generation of the historical occasion./.

VNA