The agreement was expected to open a new opportunity for the development of tourism sectors of the two countries.
According to the signed document, the two sides will consolidate and develop tourism for the mutual benefits, facilitate cross-border travel, and increase the frequency of direct flights between the two countries. They will foster cooperation in tourism through activities held in line with each country’s laws and international treaties to which each country is a member and enhance capacity of tourism-related industries and travel services in both countries.
Welcoming the working delegation of the Vietnamese Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism led by Minister Nguyen Van Hung to Cambodia to attend the opening ceremony of the 32nd SEA Games, the Cambodian Minister of Tourism expressed his delight at and highly appreciated the participation of the Vietnamese mission in the games. Minister Thong Khon acknowledged the efforts of tourism sectors of the two sides over the past time.
According to the Cambodian official, in the first three months of this year, Cambodia welcomed more than 200,000 Vietnamese tourists, and the number of Cambodian arrivals to Vietnam increased. He added that Cambodia has taken various measures to stimulate development of its tourism sector. In particular, the country has built a multi-purpose port in Kampot province to attract sea travelers.
Highly appreciating Vietnam’s development of tourism in Phu Quoc, Minister Thong Khon expected to connect Phu Quoc and Siem Reap in terms of tourism, starting with the opening of a direct air route linking the two tourism destinations.
Regarding sports, as the President of the National Olympic Committee, Mr. Thong Khon thanked Vietnam for its valuable assistance in training generations of Cambodian coaches and athletes, especially those in Vovinam. He said that Cambodia bagged many gold medals in this sport.
Appreciating the visit and attendance of Deputy Prime Minister Tran Luu Quang at the opening ceremony of SEA Games 32, Minister Thong Khon hoped that Vietnam in general and the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism in particular would continue to pay attention and create favorable conditions for Cambodia to strengthen its sports sector and develop its smokeless industry.
In a friendly atmosphere, the Vietnamese minister expressed the delight at the beauty of Cambodia, the solidarity, development, and the thorough preparation for SEA Games 32.
The Vietnamese official strongly believed that the 32nd SEA Games will be a success.
Minister Nguyen Van Hung evaluated that the implementation of cooperation in tourism sector has closely followed the signed documents. The two sides have developed new tourism products and conducted exchange of delegations, including the presence of Cambodian Minister of Tourism at the International Tourism Exhibition in Ho Chi Minh City.
Reported by Thu Sam and Quy Luong (From Cambodia)
Translated by Tran Hoai