Vietnam, Cambodia agree to beef up defense cooperation

At the talks, the host congratulated Cambodia on the successful celebration of the 49th anniversary of the “Path to overthrowing the Pol Pot genocidal regime,” describing the event as meaningful in helping younger generations of both countries better understand the longstanding tradition of mutual support and solidarity between their armed forces and peoples.

Lieutenant General Le Van Huong receives General Sao Sokha.

He highlighted the recent inauguration of the Vietnam-Cambodia Friendship Monument in Pursat province, noting that the project symbolizes the close cooperation and mutual assistance between the two countries during their struggle against the common enemy in pursuit of peace, independence and freedom.

The Vietnamese official said that under the cooperation plan in 2026 between the two defense ministries, both sides have actively implemented agreed activities and achieved positive results. Key areas of cooperation include high-level exchanges, dialogue and consultation mechanisms, training, border management and protection, twinning and people-to-people exchanges, public awareness programs on bilateral relations, search and repatriation of fallen soldiers’ remains, and coordination at multilateral forums.

General Huong reaffirmed Vietnam’s readiness to share training expertise, dispatch delegations to Cambodia for exchanges, and welcome Cambodian delegations to Vietnam for study visits and experience sharing.

At the talks

For his part, General Sao Sokha praised the Cambodia-Vietnam relationship and thanked the Vietnamese Defense Ministry for sending a high-level delegation to attend the celebration of the 49th anniversary of the “Path to overthrowing the Pol Pot genocidal regime,” contributing to its success.

He also expressed appreciation for Vietnam’s support in sharing training and education experience, which has helped advance Cambodia’s military training reforms.

Lieutenant General Le Van Huong presents souvenir to General Sao Sokha.

The Cambodian general also spoke highly of the outcomes of bilateral defense cooperation and expressed hope that both sides would continue to deepen collaboration, further strengthening defense ties as a key pillar of the Cambodia-Vietnam relations.

Translated by Chung Anh