Vietnam PM asks for Cambodia’s cooperation in protecting Mekong River
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh said Vietnam wants to collaborate with Cambodia and other countries in the Mekong River basin in sustainable use and protection of the river.
Chinh made the statement on Monday upon receiving Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister Neth Savoeun, who is leading a high-level delegation to attend a ceremony commemorating the 70th anniversary of Dien Bien Phu Victory (May 7, 1954 – 2024) in Vietnam.
The PM said Vietnam wants to collaborate closely with Cambodia and other countries in the Mekong River basin in activities related to the sustainable use, management, protection, and development of the river based on the Mekong Agreement and regulations of the Mekong River Commission, ensuring the harmonization of riparian countries’ interests.
Vietnam consistently prioritizes strengthening the traditional friendship and comprehensive cooperation with Cambodia across all fields, with party cooperation continuing to guide the development of the bilateral relationship based on solidarity, friendship, and mutual respect, Chinh said.
He also expressed his wish for Cambodia to continue to address difficulties for people of Vietnamese origin and to create favorable conditions for Vietnamese enterprises investing and doing business in Cambodia.
He said the historic Dien Bien Phu victory is a common triumph of Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia, affirming Vietnam’s profound appreciation for the invaluable assistance of the Cambodian and Lao leaders and people for Vietnamese people’s revolutionary cause.
Net Savoeun, also saying the Dien Bien Phu victory commemoration is a significant event for the three countries, asserted that Cambodia values the enhancement of relations with Vietnam and considers solidarity as their common victory.
The host and guest assessed that the Vietnam-Cambodia ties have grown strongly in all fields.
They agreed to continue to strengthen the exchange of delegations and high-level contacts, coordinate to effectively implement agreements reached, and promote cooperation and economic connectivity, especially in the Vietnam-Cambodia border economic zone.
It is necessary to adhere to the principle of not allowing hostile forces to use one’s territory to harm the security and interests of the other, they said.
They pledged to resolve the countries’ demarcation of the remaining approximately 16% borderline to build a border of peace, friendship, cooperation, and sustainable development.
Vietnam News Agency – May 6, 2024