Hanoi (VNA) – Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh received Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sar Sokha in Hanoi on February 19, during which he urged Cambodia to continue granting citizenship to people of Vietnamese origin residing in Cambodia.
The Vietnamese leader proposed the two sides continue promoting border cooperation and collaboration in combating transnational crimes, particularly drug trafficking, human trafficking, and online fraud.
Expressing his pleasure at the growth of Vietnam-Cambodia relations, PM Chinh affirmed that Vietnam always attaches importance to and prioritises the development of relationship with Cambodia, supporting the neighbouring country’s peace, stability, and prosperity as well as Cambodia’s growing role and position both regionally and globally.
The PM recalled Cambodia’s support during Vietnam’s past struggle for independence and Vietnam's assistance to Cambodia in the fight against the Pol Pot genocidal regime. He praised the collaboration between Vietnam’s Ministry of Public Security and Cambodia’s Ministry of Interior and commended the successful talks between the two ministers, which reflected the deep mutual understanding and commitment to implementing high-level agreements.
He expressed his confidence that both ministries will continue to build on this cooperation to address issues of mutual concern, while sharing insights on strategic matters, advising leaders of the two countries on security issues, and promoting collaboration in digital transformation, population data systems, and other key areas.
PM Chinh proposed Cambodia and its Ministry of Interior focus on increasing efforts and cooperation to combat transnational crimes, especially those related to drugs, human trafficking, and online fraud gangs based in Cambodia. He also emphasised the need for joint efforts to address hostile forces undermining the relationship between the two countries, assist in repatriating Vietnamese citizens exploited by online fraud networks, and address the citizenship issue for people of Vietnamese origin who are working and living stably and legally in Cambodia.
The Vietnamese Government leader called for increased collaboration in border demarcation, and settlement of outstanding issues, and building a shared border of peace, stability, friendship, cooperation and development.
For his part, Sar Sokha said that his visit aims to further implement agreements and cooperation mechanisms between the two countries. He told his host that Cambodia’s economy and society have made a strong recovery, highlighting Vietnam’s continued support and collaboration.
Echoing the Vietnamese PM’s views, Sar Sokha stressed that no country can thrive alone in the current context, and cooperation with neighbouring countries is essential. He expressed deep appreciation for the enduring Vietnam-Cambodia relationship, which has been cultivated by generations of leaders and people of both nations. He assured that Cambodia’s younger leaders, including himself, are committed to further strengthening this partnership for even greater success.
He pledged that Cambodia’s Ministry of Interior will work closely with Vietnam’s Ministry of Public Security as well as ministries, sectors and localities to combat cross-border crimes, particularly drug trafficking and fraud crime on the cyberspace.
Cambodia’s Ministry of Interior will also increase exchanges and human resources training, and raise public awareness about the strong ties between the two countries, especially among the younger generations, he said. Sar Sokha reaffirmed Cambodia’s commitment to nurturing the bilateral relationship and facilitating the legal status for people of Vietnamese origin to enable them to live and work stably and legally in Cambodia./.
