Hanoi (VNA) – President Nguyen Xuan Phuchosted a reception in Hanoi on August 9 for Lt. Gen. Hun Manet, DeputyCommander-in-Chief of the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces (RCAF) and Commander ofthe Royal Cambodian Army.

The President expressed his hope that Hun Manet’svisit will significantly contribute to the success of the Vietnam-CambodiaFriendship Year 2022 marking the 55th anniversary of the bilateral diplomaticties (June 24, 1967).

Phuc congratulated Cambodian people on great, comprehensiveachievements they have recorded over the past time, and noted his belief thatCambodia will gain more attainments in both home and external affairs in thetime ahead, and successfully fulfill its ASEAN Chairmanship 2022 and organise itsgeneral elections in 2023.  
 
Highlighting the traditional friendship between thetwo neighbouring countries, the President said he hopes that the Lt. Gen., in both his current and future positions, willmake more contributions to preserving and developing the good neighborliness, traditionalfriendship and comprehensive, sustainable, long-term cooperation.

For his part, Hun Manet also congratulatedVietnamese people on their achievements, especially in COVID-19 prevention andcontrol, socio-economic recovery and development and the organisation of the 31st Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games 31).

He conveyed the deep gratitude of Cambodian peopleto the Vietnamese Party, State, army and people for their support duringCambodia’s struggle against the genocidal regime as well as the present causeof national construction and development.

The officer also thanked Vietnam for backingCambodia in performing the role of ASEAN Chair 2022, suggesting the twocountries strengthen their solidarity in the face of regional and internationaluncertainties.

The two sides noted with pleasure activedevelopments of the Vietnam-Cambodia multi-faceted cooperation, especiallyjoint efforts in maintaining all-level meetings at all channels andcoordination in organising activities within the friendship year.

They said two-way trade has maintained its growth,hitting 6.3 billion USD in the first half of this year, up more than 20%year-on-year.

Emphasising the progress in defence cooperation - animportant pillar in the bilateral ties, host and guest expressed their hopethat the collaboration will grow further for peace, stability,independence and self-reliance in each country.

Phuc asked Hun Manet to convey his wishes andregards to King Norodom Sihamoni, Prime Minister Hun Sen and other seniorleaders of Cambodia./.