Efforts to nurture friendship and educate younger generations in both countries to carry forward the tradition of close relations are being vigorously promoted, with the hope of bringing renewed vitality and opening up an even brighter future for Viet Nam–Cambodia cooperation.
Viet Nam and Cambodia are close neighbours with deep cultural and religious connections. Looking back through history, the two nations have supported one another in times of hardship and adversity, sharing many of the challenges and turning points that have shaped their destinies.
The image of Vietnamese volunteer soldiers and experts willing to sacrifice themselves to help Cambodia escape the genocidal regime of Pol Pot has become part of the glorious history of both nations. It stands as a testament to the solidarity between Viet Nam and Cambodia and a symbol of genuine internationalism.
Cambodian leaders have repeatedly affirmed that Cambodia deeply values and remains grateful for the invaluable support and assistance extended by the fraternal Vietnamese state and people throughout the course of its history.
The friendship forged during the years when the peoples of the two countries stood side by side in the same trenches has become an invaluable shared asset. It is a legacy that future generations must cherish, preserve and continue to strengthen.
In recent years, Viet Nam and Cambodia have organised numerous friendship exchanges and commemorative activities marking major national holidays and important events in both countries. From the “Nurturing seeds of friendship” programme supporting Cambodian and Vietnamese students studying in each other’s countries to exchanges between border localities, these initiatives have played an important role in passing on the warm flame of friendship between the two peoples to younger generations.
The Viet Nam–Cambodia Friendship Association and the Cambodia–Viet Nam Friendship Association have played a significant role in promoting people-to-people diplomacy through delegation exchanges, cultural programmes, social and humanitarian activities, and networks connecting young people, women and business communities. Going forward, the two sides will continue to strengthen cooperation, focusing on consolidating people-to-people friendship, promoting economic, trade, tourism and investment ties, and enhancing young people's understanding of the longstanding friendship between the two countries.
Men Sam An,
Vice President of the Cambodian People’s Party Samdech,
President of the National Council of the Solidarity Front for Development of the Cambodian Motherland,
and President of the Cambodia-Viet Nam Friendship Association
Assessing people-to-people diplomacy between the two countries, Vice President of the Cambodian People’s Party Samdech Men Sam An emphasised that Viet Nam–Cambodia Friendship Association and the Cambodia–Viet Nam Friendship Association have played a significant role in promoting people-to-people diplomacy through delegation exchanges, cultural programmes, social and humanitarian activities, and networks connecting young people, women and business communities. Going forward, the two sides will continue to strengthen cooperation, focusing on consolidating people-to-people friendship, promoting economic, trade, tourism and investment ties, and enhancing young people's understanding of the longstanding friendship between the two countries.
Cooperation in culture, sports and tourism has also been actively promoted, helping to enhance mutual understanding and strengthen bonds of affection and trust between the peoples of the two countries. The 2026 Viet Nam Culture Week in Cambodia stands as a vivid example of this effective cooperation.
Held in late May, the event featured a series of outstanding artistic performances that showcased and promoted the beauty of Vietnamese culture in Cambodia. It also helped further consolidate the good-neighbourly relationship, traditional friendship, comprehensive cooperation and long-term sustainable partnership between Viet Nam and Cambodia.
In recent years, leaders of both countries have consistently encouraged cultural and artistic exchanges, recognising them as an important bridge for diplomacy and friendship. In tourism, Viet Nam accounted for 1.22 million visits to Cambodia in 2025, making it the largest source of international visitors to the country.
The year 2027 will mark the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Viet Nam and Cambodia. To commemorate the occasion, a wide range of cultural exchange activities will continue to be organised, further strengthening the bonds between the two Parties, the two States and the peoples of both countries.
Nearly six decades have passed amid profound changes in the regional and international landscape, yet the friendship between Viet Nam and Cambodia has demonstrated enduring vitality over time. This special bond continues to serve as a source of motivation and a valuable asset, enabling the two countries to move forward confidently on their path of development.
