PhnomPenh (VNA) – Vietnamese Ambassador to Cambodia Thach Duhighlighted cooperation attainments between the two countries in recent timesat a banquet hosted by the Vietnamese Embassy in Phnom Penh on September 1 tocelebrate the 72nd National Day of Vietnam (September 2, 1945).

The diplomat stressed the rapid development of economic, trade and investmentlinks, adding Vietnam has become one of the leading partners of Cambodia.

Bilateral trade approximated 3 billion USD in 2016 and is targeted at 5 billionUSD in the near future. Vietnam has invested in about 190 projects with totalregistered capital of 2.89 billion USD in Cambodia. It is also a big source offoreign tourists to Cambodia, 960,000 visitors last year.

The year 2017 is important to Vietnam-Cambodiarelations, he said, elaborating that they have been organising a number ofactivities marking 50 years since the establishment of diplomatic ties,including exchanges of high-ranking delegations. Through those visits,Vietnamese and Cambodian leaders affirmed the resolve to continue reinforcingthe two countries’ solidarity, friendship and cooperation.

In his speech, Du underlined enormousachievements Vietnam has obtained since then President Ho Chi Minh read theDeclaration of Independence on September 2, 1945, which heralded a new era forthe country.

He reiterated the country’s consistent foreignpolicy of independence, self-reliance, cooperation and development,multilateralisation and diversification of foreign relations, and being readyto be a friend, a trustworthy partner and a responsible member of theinternational community.

On this occasion, the diplomat appreciated theCambodian Government and people’s huge and effective support to his country inthe fight for national independence and reunification in the past and thenational development at present.

For his part, Cambodian Minister of ForeignAffairs and International Cooperation Prak Sokhonn recognised Vietnam’s rapideconomic changes, impressive development and other accomplishments over thepast decades, earning it an important role in the region and the world.

He shared the view that 2017 is a memorable yearfor both Cambodian and Vietnamese people when they mark the 50th foundinganniversary of their diplomatic relations and the Cambodia-Vietnam FriendshipYear.

The official also noted bilateral cooperationoutcomes in trade, investment and land border demarcation, over 84 percent ofwhich has finished. He affirmed both sides’ determination to complete thiswork, thus promoting peace, friendship, cooperation and sustainable developmentalong the shared borderline.

What the two countries have achieved inbilateral relations have become necessary pillars to build, expand and deepentheir traditional friendship and win-win cooperation, Prak Sokhonn said,voicing his belief that their prosperity will contribute to a united ASEANCommunity.

Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister Men Sam An, Prak Sokhonn was among other seniorCambodian officials, along with heads of other countries’ diplomaticrepresentative agencies in Phnom Penh at the event.-VNA