Vietnam looks forward to working with Cambodia and other countries in the Mekong River basin to utilize, manage, protect, and sustainably develop the river.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh (r) and Cambodia's Deputy Prime Minister Neth Savoeun. Photo: Nhat Bac/VGP

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh shared the view during a meeting with Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister Neth Savoeun on May 6, who is currently on a visit to Vietnam to attend the 70th anniversary of the Dien Bien Phu Victory.

At the meeting, Chinh reaffirmed Vietnam's willingness to work closely with Cambodia and other countries in the Mekong River basin in activities related to the utilization, management, protection, and sustainable development of the Mekong River, based on the Mekong Agreement and the regulations of the Mekong River Commission, ensuring the harmonization of interests of riparian countries for the sustainable development of the basin and the benefits of communities along the river.

He hoped that Cambodia would continue to pay attention to and alleviate the difficulties of people of  Vietnamese origin, including creating conditions for Cambodians of Vietnamese descent to stabilize their lives, integrate into the local community, and serve as a friendly bridge between the two countries. At the same time, Chinh called on the Cambodian Government to continue creating favorable conditions for Vietnamese businesses to invest and operate in Cambodia.

Deputy Prime Minister Savoeun emphasized that the celebration of the 70th anniversary of the historic victory of Dien Bien Phu has great significance for all three countries: Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia. He stressed Cambodia's commitment to promoting relations with Vietnam, considering unity as a shared victory between the two countries.

Both sides agreed to enhance economic cooperation and connectivity, firmly adhere to the principle of not allowing hostile forces to use the territory of either country to harm the security and interests of the other, and strive to resolve about 16% of the remaining border demarcation.

Vietnam and Cambodia established diplomatic relations on June 24, 1967. Trade cooperation has been a bright spot in the bilateral relationship, with trade turnover in the first three months of 2024 reaching nearly US$3 billion, a 14% increase compared to the same period in 2023.