Co-chairs of the event were Men Sam An, Vice President of the Cambodian People's Party, President of the National Council of the Solidarity Front for the Development of the Cambodian Motherland, President of the Cambodia-Vietnam Friendship Association, and Senior Lieutenant General Nguyen Van Gau, Deputy Minister of National Defense of Vietnam.
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Vietnamese Deputy Minister of National Defense Sr. Lt. Gen. Nguyen Van Gau speaks at the inauguration ceremony. |
The Vietnam-Cambodia Friendship Monument in Pursat province is more than 20 meters high. Its central statue group, over three meters tall, depicts Vietnamese and Cambodian soldiers firmly holding their weapons to protect a mother carrying her child. The monument is situated within a compound covering more than 440 square meters.
It is one of several Vietnam-Cambodia Friendship Monuments that have been built, repaired, renovated and upgraded in various provinces and cities across Cambodia, reflecting the policies of the two governments and the aspirations of the peoples of both countries.
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Gen. Gau and the Vietnamese delegation attend the inauguration ceremony. |
These monuments carry profound historical and cultural significance. They serve as vivid symbols of the affection, solidarity, courage and selfless sacrifice demonstrated by the troops and people of Vietnam and Cambodia. They also stand as enduring reminders and expressions of gratitude for the immense sacrifices made by Vietnamese volunteer soldiers and advisors who fought side by side with the Cambodian armed forces and people against their common enemy in the cause of peace, independence and freedom for each nation.
Addressing the inauguration ceremony, Sr. Lt. Gen. Nguyen Van Gau expressed his confidence that the monuments in Pursat province and throughout Cambodia would become “red addresses” for educating younger generations about patriotism, international solidarity and the special friendship between the two nations.
He noted that these monuments would help young people in both Vietnam and Cambodia gain a deeper understanding of their shared heroic history, and the value of peace, independence, freedom and sincere cooperation between the two nations.
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Delegates from Vietnam and Cambodia at the event |
More than 200 kilometers northwest of Phnom Penh, Pursat province has consistently and effectively maintained cooperation with Vietnam’s Dong Thap province across various fields, particularly in preserving the traditional friendship and cooperation between the two countries through educational and public-awareness activities.
In recent years, the Cambodian province has also actively coordinated with the Vietnamese side in the search, collection and repatriation of the remains of Vietnamese volunteer soldiers and advisors who sacrificed their lives during wartime in Cambodia.
Translated by Song Anh