Phnom Penh (VNA) – President To Lam had a meeting with Cambodian King Preah Bat Samdech Preah Boromneath Norodom Sihamoni in Phnom Penh on July 12 afternoon as part of his state visit to the neighbouring country at the invitation of the monarch.

Welcoming President Lam on his state visit that is part of his first overseas tour as the State leader of Vietnam, King Norodom Sihamoni said this reflects the importance that the Vietnamese Party and State, as well as the President, attach to the close-knit and trustworthy relations between the two countries.

He expressed his belief that the visit will mark a new milestone helping to further intensify the Cambodia - Vietnam good neighbourliness, traditional friendship, comprehensive cooperation, and long-term sustainability.

The King also took this occasion to express his deep gratitude to the Vietnamese State and people for assisting the Cambodian people to escape from the genocidal regime in the past and develop the country at present.

He affirmed that he will continue supporting the good traditional friendship between the two countries as his father, late King Norodom Sihanouk, used to do.

For his part, President Lam emphasised that Vietnam always treasures and gives the top priority to the enhancement and development of its ties with Cambodia.

Generations of Vietnamese leaders and people always appreciate the good sentiments along with precious support and assistance from late King Norodom Sihanouk and generations of Cambodian leaders and people for Vietnam during the struggle for national independence in the past and the current cause of national construction and development, he remarked.

At the meeting, King Norodom Sihamoni and President Lam noted with satisfaction that the Vietnam - Cambodia relations have continued growing stably, the mutual trust and cohesion between the two countries’ leaders and people been increasingly reinforced, while bilateral trade is now a bright spot with impressive growth.

Both expressed their hope that in the coming time, the two sides will increase all-level delegation exchanges and meetings; foster cooperation in economy - trade - investment, culture, science - technology, and people-to-people ties; and properly settle outstanding problems in the spirit of friendly neighbourliness, solidarity, and cohesion.

The two leaders affirmed that their countries’ traditional friendship, solidarity, and mutual assistance, nurtured with enormous efforts and even sacrifice by former generations, are a priceless asset that needs to be maintained for future generations.

They also pledged to continue nurturing that sound relationship, and further step up communications to educate young people on the solidarity between the two countries and their people and to keep promoting the Vietnam - Cambodia friendship.

President Lam invited King Norodom Sihamoni to pay a visit to Vietnam in 2024. The King appreciated the invitation, noting that he will visit Vietnam in the near future.

Following the meeting, President Lam paid a courtesy call on Queen Mother Norodom Monineath Sihanouk and invited her to visit Vietnam soon.

Later on the same day, King Norodom Sihamoni hosted a banquet in honour of the State leader and high-ranking delegation of V🥀ietnam./.