The inauguration was witnessed by senior leaders of both Vietnam and Cambodia. This project is seen as the pride of the people of both nations but also a significant milestone to bring the Vietnam - Cambodia relations to a new phase of development.
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Vietnamese N.A. Chairman Tran Thanh Man and President of the Cambodian N.A. Samdech Khuon Sudary at the inauguration ceremony |
Amid the ancient and mysterious ambiance of Phnom Penh, known for its unique architectural blend of French and Cambodian influences, the Cambodian National Assembly's administrative building, situated within the National Assembly's campus, stands out as a modern structure. Its architecture reflects a continuation of Cambodian traditional culture, customs, and parliamentary rules, contributing to the strong development of Phnom Penh.
Everyone at the ceremony was delighted when reading the bilingual inscription of the project in Khmer and Vietnamese, “The Cambodian National Assembly’s Administrative Building, a gift from the Communist Party, the State, and the people of Vietnam,” prominently displayed at the building’s entrance. They sang songs about the close-knit relationship between the two countries which stood side by side to fight against foreign invaders in the past and have been hand in hand to protect peace in current period.
These lyrics reminded participants that Vietnam and Cambodia are neighboring countries, sharing the same mountains and rivers. The two peoples have maintained a traditional bond of solidarity and mutual support, helping each other overcome challenges and hardships, fighting together against common enemies, and jointly building and developing their nations. The lyrics, resonating at this significant event, demonstrated that the Cambodian National Assembly’s Administrative Building is not only a cultural and diplomatic project but also a profound symbol of the deep friendship between Vietnam and Cambodia. It reflects the cooperation and mutual assistance between the two nations.
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Delegates in a joint photo |
The building fully embodies the meaning and spiritual value of the gift from the Vietnamese Party, State, and people to the Cambodian Party, State, and people. Vietnam is committed to doing its utmost alongside Cambodia to protect, preserve, and nurture the relationship between the two Parties, States, and the peoples, elevating it to new heights for the prosperity and happiness of their people, for peace, stability, cooperation, and development in the region and the world.
The construction of the Cambodian National Assembly’s Administrative Building began in December 2021, and the project was completed and officially handed over to Cambodia's functional units for management and use after nearly 36 months. The large-scale project, with a total investment of USD 25 million, spans an area of 27 meters in width, 49 meters in length, with 12 floors and two basement levels for parking. Despite challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the project was successfully conducted thanks to the dedication, expertise, and high responsibility of agencies and organizations from both nations. Engineers and construction workers did their utmost, overcoming difficulties to ensure timely completion and readiness for use.
While touring the project, N.A. Chairman Tran Thanh Man praised its aesthetic design, quality, and functionality. He emphasized that the building, which was the gift from the Vietnamese Party, State, and people to the Cambodian Party, State, and people on the occasion of the State visit of the late Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong to Cambodia in July 2017, symbolizes the solidarity and traditional friendship between Vietnam and Cambodia. Its completion was a shared joy for both parliaments and peoples. Chairman Tran Thanh Man expressed confidence that once operational, the building would facilitate the Cambodian National Assembly to better fulfil its duties, contributing to Cambodia’s prosperity.
Treasuring the significant and practical gift, Cambodian N.A. President Samdech Khuon Sudary deeply thanked the Vietnamese Party, State, and people for providing fund and supporting the construction of the building. She highlighted that the inauguration of this magnificent structure served as a testament to the enduring, close-knit, and longstanding friendship between Cambodia and Vietnam. It also stands as evidence of the exemplary neighborly relations, traditional solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation between the two nations.
The history has proved the importance of solidarity, friendship, and mutual support between Vietnam and Cambodia for the destiny of each country. The Cambodian National Assembly’s Administrative Building project is a milestone in bilateral cooperation, serving as a symbol of the steadfast Vietnam - Cambodia relationship.
By Vu Dung (from Phnom Penh, Cabodia)
Translated by Tran Hoai