Phnom Penh, 19 April 2023: Gen. Hun Manet, Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces (RCAF) and Commander of the Royal Cambodian Army, and Maj. Gen. Le Duc Thai, Commander of the Vietnamese Defence Ministry’s Border Guard High Command, met in Phnom Penh for their annual meeting.
During the meeting, both sides expressed their satisfaction with the good bilateral friendship, mutual support, and cooperation, particularly in the military field, between Cambodia and Vietnam.
Both sides also acknowledged the fruitful achievements of their growing bilateral relationship and cooperation since 2004.
In addition, after assessing their past year’s cooperation, they agreed to continue their collaboration in various areas, including jointly combating the COVID-19 spread, supporting the border demarcation work, fighting against cross-border crimes, supporting human resource training, exchanging visits at all levels, and more.
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It is worth noting that the Royal Cambodian Army and the Vietnam Border Guard High Command signed a cooperation Memorandum of Understanding on February 3, 2021. This agreement solidifies the ongoing commitment of both countries to strengthen their partnership and cooperation.
Cambodia and Vietnam announced plans to strengthen their already robust military cooperation. The two countries have a long history of collaboration in defense affairs, with Vietnam being one of Cambodia’s closest allies.
The announcement came at a time when both nations are facing security challenges in their respective regions.
Cambodia shares borders with Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam, and has been dealing with cross-border crime and smuggling.
Vietnam, on the other hand, is facing territorial disputes in the South China Sea, which has led to an increase in tensions with neighboring countries.
As part of this agreement, the two countries will increase joint military exercises and training programs, as well as collaborate on defense research and procurement.
There will also be a focus on enhancing border security and intelligence sharing to prevent cross-border crime and the spread of terrorism.
Cambodia and Vietnam have expressed their commitment to maintaining peace and stability in the region. Their collaboration on defense affairs is seen as a crucial part of achieving this goal.
Strengthening military cooperation is expected further to cement the already strong relations between the two countries.
