Exchange programme recalls memories of volunteer soldiers in Cambodia

Delegates at the programme share the stories of the southwest border defence war (Photo: VNA)

Hanoi (VNA) – An exchange programme entitled “Troops sent by Buddha” was held in Hanoi on January 4 for former Vietnamese volunteer soldiers in Cambodia.

The event drew Sen. Lieut. Gen Phan Van Giang, Chief of the General Staff of the Vietnam People's Army and Deputy Defence Minister; Sen. Lieut. Gen Nguyen Trong Nghia, Vice Chairman of the Vietnam People's Army (VPA)'s General Department of Politics; and President of the Vietnam-Cambodia Friendship Association Central Committee Vu Mao, among others.

Participants recalled that on January 2, 2012, during a visit to the southern province of Dong Nai to attend the inauguration of the historical relic site, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen reflected on the event many years ago, when Cambodian people were so close to death that all they could do was praying for help from Buddha. It was at that moment that Vietnamese volunteer soldiers came and saved them. Therefore, Vietnamese soldiers were believed to have been the troop sent by Buddha, he stated.

After 40 years of the southwest border defence war victory, the memory of the heroic victory as well as the image of a troop sent by Buddha have remained clear in the minds of Cambodian people.

At the programme, the historical witnesses shared the stories of the southwest border defence war, the significance of the victory against the genocidal regime, and the value of peace and independence that Vietnamese and Cambodian people restored.

At the programme, Colonel Nguyen Van Hong who directly fought in the war, introduced his books on the war which have since been turned into a 10-chapter film.

Over the years, the Vietnam-Cambodian relationship has strongly developed in all fields, especially defence. In the future, the two sides have agreed to continue coordinating closely together in building a shared border of friendship and educating younger generations on the need to reinforce the friendship between the two countries. –VNA 

VNA