Following is the full Cambodian Government leader’s message of homage to former President Le Duc Anh.
“Since the first meeting at the Thong Nhat (United) Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City in early 1978, he and the Vietnamese army and people have paid great help to the Cambodian people. Cambodia's United Armed Forces for National Salvation was formed with the direct support from him, the Commander of Military Zone 7 under the Vietnam People's Army at that time.
The Cambodian people’s liberation from the genocidal Pol Pot regime, the prevention of the return of the regime, and the national construction of Cambodia witnessed his contributions.
During the course of his mission in Cambodia, on behalf of the Vietnamese Party, Government and the Vietnamese volunteer soldiers, he fully implemented the policy of respecting the independence and sovereignty of Cambodia as well as respecting Cambodian people’s choice on the political, economic and social system of the country.
In his capacity as President of Vietnam, he were one of the people, together with the Party, Government, the Army and people of Vietnam, enhancing the rapid development of the relations between the two countries in all fields.
From the first meeting until separation, he always paid attention to me and my wife and children, like father and son and like grandfather and grandchildren. I remember that when I faced the greatest difficulties in building the first army, he gave great support in any way possible so that the Cambodian army could grow up quickly.
He did not smoke, but never forget to send me cigarettes because he knew I smoked a lot. He always told me to take care of my health.
As a politician and Army Commander, I always regarded he as a genius military and political strategist, the likes of which I have never met in other countries.
Bidding farewell to General Le Duc Anh with great compassion.”
