At Phnum Chombang Pagoda, Team K73 worked alongside monks to clean and decorate the grounds despite intense heat. Colonel Tran Hung Cuong, Political Chief of Team K73, noted that maintaining a clean environment and assisting the pagoda demonstrates respect for local traditions. The team also presented practical gifts to the pagoda and disadvantaged residents, reflecting the affection of “Uncle Ho’s soldiers” for the host country. Corporal Pham Van Danh shared that the kindness of local people provided great motivation for the unit.

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Team K73 under the Tay Ninh Provincial Military Command presents gifts to extend Chol Chnam Thmay greetings at Phnum Chombang Pagoda.

Meanwhile, Team K71 celebrated within the barracks of Military Sub-Regions in Oddar Meanchey and Banteay Meanchey provinces. Vietnamese and Cambodian soldiers gathered at dusk to perform the traditional Apsara dance and sing songs of solidarity. Corporal Le Minh Duc expressed deep emotion, noting that despite language barriers, the shared dance created lasting military memories.

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Officers and soldiers of Team K71 take part in a tug-of-war game with Cambodian counterparts during the Chol Chnam Thmay Festival.

Troops also engaged in traditional games like tug of war and sack jumping. Following local customs, Cambodian soldiers tied red strings around the wrists of their Vietnamese counterparts and applied powder to their faces to symbolize luck. Lieutenant Colonel Nguyen Hoai Thanh, Political Commissar of Team K71, emphasized that the friendship of the host country ensures the soldiers never feel alone while far from home.

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Officers and soldiers of Team K71 and their Cambodian counterparts perform the Apsara dance together.

These heartfelt actions by Teams K71 and K73 brought joy to the local community, enhancing the image of Vietnamese soldiers and preserving the enduring friendship between the two nations.

Translated by Trung Thanh