Phnom Penh (VNA) – A leader of Phnom Penh capitalcity of Cambodia asked Ba Ria – Vung Tau to open a tourism bus route linkingthe two sides while meeting with visiting officials of the southern province ofVietnam on October 21.

Khuong Sreng, member of the Cambodian People’sParty Central Committee and Governor of Phnom Penh, highlighted culturalheritages of his country as well as advantages of Ba Ria – Vung Tau, a touristhub in the south of Vietnam. He suggested Ba Ria – Vung Tau leaders open atourism bus route directly linking it with his city.

The host noted that thanks to an annual economicgrowth rate of over 7.5 percent for many years, Cambodian people’s livingstandards have been improved continually, leading to rising travel demand.

Cambodia wishes to cooperate with Ba Ria – VungTau to develop tourism, he said, calling on the administration and businessesof the Vietnamese province to open more tours between the two sides tofacilitate travel and help deepen mutual understanding between the two peoples.

At the working session, the official alsobriefed the Vietnamese delegation about the enormous achievements in economy,trade, culture and tourism of his country, as well as Phnom Penh. He attributedthose attainments partly to the wholehearted support of the Vietnamesevolunteer soldiers and people since the defeat of the Pol Pot genocidal regimein 1979.

The Royal Government of Cambodia always treasuresand works to promote the traditional friendship with Vietnam. It also hopesthat younger generations of the two countries will join hands in nurturing abright future for both nations, the official added.

For his part, Nguyen Hong Linh, member of theCommunist Party of Vietnam Central Committee, Secretary of the Ba Ria – VungTau Party Committee and Chairman of the provincial People’s Council, said withadvantages in tourism and sea transport, Ba Ria – Vung Tau often welcomesthousands of Cambodian visitors and cargo trucks transiting through Cai MepPort each month.

He affirmed that his province will assistVietnamese and Cambodian businesses to develop economy, trade and tourism. It will also support transport and tourism development projects betweenthe two localities, promote the improvement of tourism services, and continueto share management experience to help strengthen bilateral cooperation.

As part of their working trip to Cambodia fromOctober 18 to 21, the Ba Ria – Vung Tau delegation also signed memoranda ofunderstanding on cooperation with Phnom Penh city and Siem Reap province./.