In order to contribute to the continued cultivation of good neighbourly relations, while at the same time celebrating the 55th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries (June 24, 1967-24 June 2022), many practical activities have been organised in both countries within the Vietnam-Cambodia and Cambodia-Vietnam Friendship Year 2022.
Within the framework of the Friendship Year, in addition tostrengthening contacts and exchanging delegations at all levels, the two sides also organised many activities and events to help the people of the two countries, especially the young generation, understand the meaning and importance of preserving, cultivating and developing the Vietnam-Cambodia relationship.
As a key activity in 2022, the ceremony to mark 55th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Cambodia took place solemnly in Hanoi on June 24.
On this important occasion, the two sides reviewed the history and tradition of solidarity, support and assistance to each other during the struggle for national liberation, as well as in the cause of national construction and development. Both sides emphasised that the traditional friendship and comprehensive cooperation between Vietnam and Cambodia should be preserved, consolidated and further enhanced by the peoples of the two countries today, as well as future generations.
Exchange and commemorative activities are also organised by ministries, branches, localities and people's organisations of Vietnam and Cambodia, with the participation of large numbers of people of the two countries.
Vietnam Culture Week in Cambodia 2022 took place in Cambodia’scapital of Phnom Penh and Siem Reap City last August, with many special art programmes. In the bustling atmosphere, the cultural beauty of Vietnam and Cambodia was prominently displayedthrough performances of folk songs, dances and music.
According to Cambodian Minister of Culture and Arts Phoeurng Sackona, the culture week helps strengthen the connection between the people of the two countries, and at the same time contributing to bringing the close relationship between the two nations to a higher level.
The young generations of Vietnam and Cambodia act as a bridge connecting the good neighbourly relationship between the two countries. The Vietnam-Cambodia Friendship Association and the Can Tho City Union of Friendship Organisations regularly support Cambodian students with scholarships to study in Vietnam through the movement called "Incubating the seeds of friendship"
Cultural and sports exchanges between students of the two countries held during the Friendship Year also contribute to helping the young generations of the two countries understand each other better, thereby continuing to work together to cultivate the traditional friendship between Vietnam and Cambodia to be sustainable for a long time.
The message of the good neighbourliness and traditional friendship between Vietnam and Cambodia after more than half a century of attachment was also widely spread by the two countries' media during the Friendship Year 2022. The Agence Kampuchea Press (AKP), Cambodia's Rasmei Kampuchea Daily, and Khmer Times have published many articles appreciating the traditional friendship relationship between the people of the two neighbouring countries.
The Cambodia's Rasmei Kampuchea published an article emphasising that the day the two countries officially established diplomatic relations was a meaningful event, marking a new historical page in the bilateral relationship. In the AKP's article quoted Vietnamese Ambassador to Cambodia Nguyen Huy Tang as saying that the achievements of the two countries' relations over the past 55 years have contributed to further strengthening the relationship between the two countries.
Through activities in the Friendship Year, the solidarity and trust between the people of the two neighbouring countries has become stronger. That contributes to consolidating and promoting the good neighbourly relationship, traditional friendship, comprehensive cooperation, and long-term sustainability between Vietnam and Cambodia, for the benefit of the two peoples as well as for peace, stability, cooperation and development in the region.
