Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc addresses the meeting

Addressing the event, which was attended by Party General Secretary and President Nguyen Phu Trong, former Vietnamese leaders and Cambodian officials, Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc said the ceremony is of historical significance to the two countries’ traditional friendship and neighborliness. Mr. Phuc added that the meeting provides opportunities for both countries to recall their history of solidarity, staying side by side with each other, and sharing hardship and happiness. Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc said: “The historical victory on January 7 is the joint victory of the Vietnamese and Cambodians as well as of the progressive people all over the world. For Vietnam, its victory of the Southwest border defense war once again demonstrates the indomitable will and strength of the Vietnamese people, the noble internationalism spirit, the loyal, lasting neighborliness and fraternity, and the heartfelt assistance of the Vietnamese Party, State, Army, and people for the Cambodians. The Victory on January 7, 1979, eradicated the genocidal regime, revived the Cambodian nation, and opened a new era of development in independence, freedom, peace, neutrality, and prosperity.”

Vice President of the Cambodian Senate Tep Ngorn addresses the meeting

On behalf of the Cambodian Party, State, and people, Vice President of the Senate Tep Ngorn expressed Cambodia’s gratitude to the Vietnamese Party, State, Front, Army, and people for their great sacrifices to save the Cambodians from the brutal genocide in the past as well as the assistance of Vietnam for Cambodia’s development and unification today. Mr. Tep Ngorn said the Vietnam-Cambodia relationship has grown steadily: “The bilateral ties have seen achievements in all fields, from politics and the military to socio-economics, culture, and science. Specifically, the trade, investment, and tourism ties between Vietnam and Cambodia have been strengthened. Solutions to border issues have progressed strongly, particularly the almost completion of land border delineation and border marker planting. These factors have created a sound environment for safeguarding peace and stability, boosting economic growth, improving people’s lives, and reducing poverty.”

The Cambodian leader said the Vietnamese and Cambodians are good friends, brothers, neighbors, and partners. The two countries now open a new page of history with independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity, peace, freedom, and advancement.

Military delegates at the meeting