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Sr. Lt. Gen. Hoang Xuan Chien (right) and Secretary of State of National Defense of Cambodia General Neang Phat |
The event was co-chaired by Vietnamese Deputy Defense Minister Senior Lieutenant General Hoang Xuan Chien and Secretary of State of National Defense of Cambodia General Neang Phat.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Sr. Lt. Gen. Hoang Xuan Chien said that the sixth Vietnam - Cambodia Defense Policy Dialogue was held in the context that the two countries had cooperated to successfully organize series of activities within the “Vietnam - Cambodia, Cambodia - Vietnam Friendship Year 2022.” He strongly believed that this dialogue would take place in a frank, open, sincere, and practical atmosphere and be successful.
Expressing his delight at attending the event, General Neang Phat emphasized that this dialogue was an important proof of the close relationship between the two countries and in line with the regional and international situations. He added that this event would continue to consolidate the traditional friendship and comprehensive cooperation between Vietnam and Cambodia.
At the dialogue, the two sides exchanged views on regional and international situations of mutual concern and agreed that political and security situation in the world and some regions have witnessed quick, complicated, and unexpected developments. They affirmed that ASEAN-led mechanisms have continued to prove their central role in the region, contributing to fostering cooperation among member countries of the grouping and between ASEAN members and partners for regional peace and stability.
Regarding the East Sea (South China Sea) issue, the two sides agreed that relevant parties should abide by the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC) and step up the negotiations towards the early formulation of the Code of Conduct in the East Sea (COC) in a substantive and effective manner and in line with international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea 1982.
They affirmed that the bilateral defense cooperation has obtained positive and outstanding results. In particular, the two sides cooperated to effectively carry out around 30 events in the “Vietnam - Cambodia, Cambodia - Vietnam Friendship Year 2022” Plan, including the first Vietnam - Cambodia Border Defense Friendship Exchange in May 2022, the celebration of the 45th anniversary of the path to topple the Pol Pot genocidal regime in June 2022, the meeting of the three defense ministers of Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia, and the first-ever Vietnam - Laos - Cambodia joint search and rescue (SAR) exercise, among others.
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The Vietnamese delegation at the event |
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The Cambodian delegation at the meeting |
Over the past time, the border guard forces of the two countries have effectively brought into play the exchange and twinning mechanisms; strengthened coordination in patrolling and protecting the shared borderline and border markers and effectively combating cross-border crimes. The search, collection, and repatriation of remains of Vietnamese volunteers and advisers who laid down their lives while performing international duties in Cambodia has been implemented in accordance with the 2023 plan. Cooperation in delegation exchange and training has continued to be paid special attention to.
Regarding missions in the coming time, the two sides agreed to continue to foster delegation exchange and cooperation in training; effectively maintain information exchange mechanism; promote cooperation between military regions, services, and border guard forces through diverse practical forms; strengthen dissemination and education about the history and significance of the beautiful traditional friendship of the two states, peoples, and militaries; accelerate the search, collection, and repatriation of remains of Vietnamese fallen volunteer soldiers and advisors in Cambodia. The two sides affirmed that they will show support to each other at multilateral forums in the region and the world, especially ASEAN-led mechanisms.
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At the signing of the dialogue's minutes |
On the occasion, Senior Lieutenant General Hoang Xuan Chien suggested the Cambodian Defense Ministry continue to care and support Vietnamese community in Cambodia and facilitate the operation of Vietnamese military businesses to contribute to the development of the two countries.
Translated by Tran Hoai