The Vietnam Women’s Union (VWU) and the Cambodian Women’s Association for Peace and Development (CWAPD) signed a cooperation agreement for the 2013-2017 period in Phnom Penh on January 21.

The document was inked by VWU President Nguyen Thi Thanh Hoa and Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister Men Samol, President of the CWAPD.

Speaking at the event, Hoa said that the agreement will provide an important foundation for promoting the cooperation between the two unions in particular and the two countries’ women in general.

Men Samol expressed her gratitude to Vietnamese volunteer soldiers, including many women, for helping Cambodian people overthrow the Pol Pot genocidal regime in 1979 and revive.

On the occasion, Men Samol presented the Cambodian Royal Government’s Order of Merit to 31 VWU officials, including VWU President Nguyen Thi Thanh Hoa, former Vice President and former VWU President Truong My Hoa and former VWU Vice President Vo Thi Thang.

Hoa awarded the Vietnamese State’s Friendship Order to Senator Mean Sam An, CWAPD Vice President, and Senator Chhouk Chhim, former CWAPD President as well as the insignia “For the development of Vietnamese women” to nine officials of the Cambodian association.

The individuals have made great contributions to maintaining and promoting the traditional friendship, solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between Vietnam and Cambodia as well as the development of women and gender equality in both countries.

During the Cambodia visit from January 21-24, the VWU delegation will meet with Say Chhum, head of the Standing Committee of the Cambodian People’s Party (CPP) and first Vice President of the Senate and the Governor of Sihanoukville city. It will visit the Intelligent Women project of the CWAPD - Phnom Penh chapter./. VNA