Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong has successfully concluded his week-long visit to Cambodia, which was made at the invitation of Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni. On this occasion, the two sides have issued a joint statement, which affirmed principles and orientations for bilateral relations in the future.
In the statement, the two leaders reiterated that they will work harder to preserve and develop the bilateral friendship on the principles agreed in previous Vietnam-Cambodia Joint statements. They also agreed to increase senior exchanges, strengthen comprehensive co-operation between the two legislative and executive bodies, and expand co-operation between localities and mass organizations of the two countries, particularly in border areas. On the occasion of the 45th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic relations, next year will be observed as the Year of Vietnam-Cambodia Friendship.
Vietnam and Cambodia were also determined to double bilateral trade revenue to 5 billion USD next year and encourage more investment activities in border areas, particularly within the development triangle. Both affirmed a policy of not allowing any hostile forces to use their territory against the other, joining hands to fight trans-national crime and illegal immigration, and continuing to work closely to locate the remains of Vietnamese martyrs killed in Cambodia and return them to their homeland. The two also pledged to develop an ASEAN community for peace and stability in the region by solving disputes through peaceful measures.
Party leader Nguyen Phu Trong invited Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni, King-Father Norodom Sihanouk, King-Mother Norodom Monineat Sihanouk, and leaders of the Cambodian Senate, Parliament and Royal government to visit Vietnam. All of them accepted the invitation.