- Excellency Nguyen Minh Vu, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam to the Kingdom of Cambodia
- Samdech, Excellencies, Lok Chumteav, Members of the Senate, National Assembly, and Royal Government
- Excellencies, Lok Chumteav, Representatives of the Diplomatic Corps of the Friendly Countries to Cambodia
- Ladies and Gentlemen, Distinguished National and International Guests!
First of all, on behalf of the legislative and executive bodies and the people of Cambodia and on my own behalf, I am greatly delighted to participate in this reception to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the Independence Day of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam (2 September 1945–2 September 2025). On this very special occasion, I would like to extend my congratulations and best wishes to the leaders of the state, the party, and the fraternal people of Viet Nam for good health, happiness, prosperity, and even greater success in their socio-economic development efforts.
As the Independence Day on 2nd September approaches, the people of Viet Nam are filled with joy at the remembrance for this important event, alongside the memory of the heroic bravery of the combatants who fought for the cause of justice. Their patriotism and sacrifices to achieve self-determination are always remembered and appreciated with gratitude. Independence Day marks the beginning of a new era defined by resilience, reunification, and hope. Viet Nam’s Independence Day 80 years ago was not only for the people of Viet Nam but was also an inspiration for the nations in the Southeast Asian region, including Cambodia, to rise up and struggle for their independence from colonialism.
I congratulate our Viet Namese friends on their steady march of socio-economic development, especially for achieving an economic growth rate of over 7% in 2024. I am confident that under the visionary leadership of the Communist Party of Viet Nam, with His Excellency To Lam as General Secretary, the government and the people of Viet Nam will achieve two millennium goals:
First, to become a developing country with modern industry and upper-middle-income status by 2030, on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of Viet Nam.
Second, to become a developed, high-income socialist country by 2045, coinciding with the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Democratic Republic of Viet Nam, as well as enhancing Viet Nam’s prestige and role on the regional and international stage.
- Samdech, Excellencies, Lok Chumteav
- Ladies and Gentlemen, Distinguished National and International Guests!
Cambodia attaches great importance to the close relationship and comprehensive cooperation between our two countries, which has been growing in all sectors and at all levels, based on the spirit of “good neighborliness, traditional friendship, comprehensive cooperation, and long-lasting stability.”
Since the official establishment of diplomatic relations between our two countries in 1967, the Cambodian and Viet Namese peoples have maintained warm bonds of friendship and excellent partnership. This traditional friendship has been continually cultivated by the leaders of both countries across generations, from the time of His Majesty Preah Bat Samdech Preah Norodom Sihanouk, the late King Father, and the late leaders of the Party and Government of Viet Nam, right up to the current leaders.
While our close relations and comprehensive cooperation continue to progress, we will always remember our mutual support in the past, namely when the Cambodian people sacrificed and supported Viet Nam in its struggle for the reunification and independence of its nation, and the sacrifices of the Viet Namese volunteer troops and people for overthrowing and helping to liberate the Cambodian people from the genocidal regime, helping to prevent the reoccurrence of the genocidal regime, and helping Cambodia to rebuild it. This is a historical truth that no reactionary force can distort.
The Cambodia-Viet Nam relations, built on a foundation of mutual respect and assistance, has benefited both countries and peoples, and has also made a significant contribution to maintaining peace, stability, sustainable development, and prosperity in the region.
I highly appreciate the very warm relationship maintained through the exchange of visits and interactions at all levels, in the legislative, executive, and people-to-people frameworks. I am pleased to have noted that our comprehensive cooperation has continuously grown in all fields. The volume of our bilateral trade has increased remarkably. In 2024, Viet Nam was Cambodia’s third-largest trading partner, with bilateral trade exceeding 10 billion US dollars, an increase of over 18% compared to 2023.
In line with this trend of steady growth, the two countries are also committed to promoting cooperation to achieve a target of 20 billion US dollars in the near future. Viet Nam ranks fifth in foreign direct investment in Cambodia and second (after Singapore) among ASEAN member states. The Viet Namese tourist arrivals in Cambodia increased by nearly 32%, ranking second. As of now, we have a total of 100 direct flights per week, operated by two Viet Namese airlines and two Cambodian airlines.
I would like to note with satisfaction the commitment of our two countries to further promote cooperation in some key sectors, including defense and security, education, healthcare, energy, tourism, culture, technology, and science.
Cambodia and Viet Nam have been working closely together and supporting each other within the regional and international frameworks, including the United Nations, ASEAN, and other sub-regional frameworks. This not only serves the common interests of our two countries but also contributes to peace, security, stability, and sustainable development worldwide.
- Samdech, Excellencies, Lok Chumteav
- Ladies and Gentlemen, Distinguished National and International Guests!
On this joyous and cordial occasion, filled with smiles and deep affection, I would like to ask Samdech, Highnesses, Excellencies, Lok Chumteav, Ladies and Gentlemen to raise your glasses to:
- The abundant good health of His Excellency To Lam, General Secretary of the Communist Party of Viet Nam, and his spouse.
- The abundant good health of His Excellency Luong Cuong, President of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam, and his spouse.
- The abundant good health and longevity of His Majesty Preah Bat Samdech Preah Boromneath Norodom Sihamoni, King of the Kingdom of Cambodia, and of Her Majesty the Queen Mother, Norodom Monineath Sihanouk.
- The excellent and long-lasting friendship and close cooperation between the Kingdom of Cambodia and the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam!
I would like to wish Samdech, Excellencies, Lok Chumteav, Ladies and Gentlemen who are present here good health, happiness, prosperity, and even greater success.
Thank you!