(Ho Chi Minh City) – Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh expressed gratitude to Cambodia for its support, which enabled Viet Nam to take control of South Viet Nam, marking the country’s reunification 50 years ago.
On 30 April 1975, North Viet Nam, supported by the Soviet Union and China, successfully seized control of South Viet Nam, signifying the historic reunification of the country after years of conflict. Cambodia played a pivotal role in this victory, a fact recognised in historical accounts.
During the war, North Viet Nam encountered immense challenges in penetrating and capturing South Vietnamese territory. However, with the backing of the late Cambodian King Father Norodom Sihanouk, and through the use of the Ho Chi Minh Trail that passed through Cambodian territory, North Vietnamese forces were able to advance into South Viet Nam and ultimately secure victory. Military experts have acknowledged that without Cambodia’s assistance, the North’s campaign might not have succeeded.
On 30 April 2025, the Vietnamese government held a grand ceremony to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the victory over South Viet Nam, the defeat of the United States in Viet Nam, and the nation’s reunification.
Samdech Techo Hun Sen, President of the Senate of Cambodia and President of the Cambodian People's Party, was invited to attend the celebration.
During a courtesy call with Samdech Techo Hun Sen on 29 April 2025, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh expressed his appreciation for Cambodia’s contributions to Viet Nam’s reunification, including the deployment of Cambodian troops during the military campaign. He also expressed his sincere thanks to Samdech Techo for leading a high-level Cambodian delegation to attend the commemorative event.
In response, Samdech Techo Hun Sen congratulated the government and people of Viet Nam on the golden jubilee of national reunification. He also conveyed his gratitude to the Communist Party, the National Assembly, and the Government of Viet Nam for the warm hospitality extended to him and his delegation on this momentous occasion.
Samdech Techo Hun Sen reflected on the historic military cooperation between Cambodia and Viet Nam, noting that today the two countries continue to support one another economically, especially through bilateral trade.
He highlighted Cambodia’s position as the world’s leading cashew nut producer, while Viet Nam holds a leading role in processing and exporting cashews. This interdependence, he said, exemplifies the complementary nature of their economic ties.
Samdech Techo also underscored the challenges posed by global geopolitical tensions, trade wars, and shifting power dynamics. In light of these factors, he stressed the importance of deepening cooperation between Cambodia and Viet Nam based on the principles of good neighbourliness, traditional friendship, comprehensive cooperation, and long-term stability.
He encouraged the two nations to focus more on strengthening trade relations as close neighbours, rather than relying too heavily on distant markets.
Samdech Techo applauded the outcome of the 28 April 2025 trade ministers’ meeting in Hanoi, where both sides signed a bilateral trade cooperation agreement for 2025–2026. This agreement includes the establishment of a Joint Trade Commission aimed at increasing bilateral trade volume to USD 20 billion and resolving cross-border trade issues.
He emphasised that this USD 20 billion target is both realistic and attainable, given Viet Nam’s large population of 106 million and Cambodia’s growing demand, with a population of 17 million.
Beyond trade, Samdech Techo also praised the two countries’ cooperation in human resource development. He expressed appreciation for Viet Nam’s continued support to Cambodian students and trainees, especially through scholarships and training programmes tailored to Cambodia’s development needs.
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, for his part, welcomed the bilateral trade agreement and expressed optimism that Cambodia–Viet Nam trade would reach the USD 20 billion goal. Under this framework, Viet Nam will increase imports of Cambodian rice, cashew nuts, and seafood.
The Vietnamese prime minister also pledged to reduce tariffs on cement exports to Cambodia, provide scholarships—particularly in technology—and ensure a stable electricity supply to Cambodia based on actual demand.
Lastly, Samdech Techo Hun Sen expressed his appreciation for these commitments and affirmed Cambodia’s readiness to strengthen bilateral cooperation with Viet Nam in all areas.
=FRESH NEWS
