Cambodian Minister of Information and good memories with Nhan Dan Newspaper

On the occasion of the 70th anniversary of the first issue of Nhan Dan (People) Newspaper (March 11, 1951-2021), Member of the Cambodian People’s Party (CPP) Central Committee cum Minister of Information Khieu Kanharith shared his unforgettable memories about the period when he newly entered the journalism profession, with enthusiastic assistance from Nhan Dan’s officials and reporters.

Veteran journalist Khieu Kanharith (R) recalls his good memories with Nhan Dan Newspaper more than 40 years ago. (Photo: NDO)
Veteran journalist Khieu Kanharith (R) recalls his good memories with Nhan Dan Newspaper more than 40 years ago. (Photo: NDO)

Receiving Nhan Dan’s resident correspondent at the headquarters of the ministry in Phnom Penh, the 70-year-old minister recalled the memories of over four decades ago when he was a young person without training as a reporter.

At that time, after the historic victory on January 7, 1979 overthrowing the genocidal regime of Pol Pot, Khieu Kanharith and a number of other young Cambodian people were assigned to study journalism to serve the cause of national reconstruction. Several months after the liberation day, a delegation of Nhan Dan Newspaper experts led by journalist Le Binh made a working trip to Phnom Penh.

Having previously studied law and diplomacy, young Cambodian officials were inevitably surprised by the new knowledge of the journalism profession. Under the meticulous guidance of journalist Le Binh, who once covered news at the Paris Conference in 1973, and other Nhan Dan colleagues, the group of Cambodia’s future journalists gradually became familiar with the method of writing articles, reportages and commentaries as well as the layout of a newspaper.

Growing up in the profession of journalism, Khieu Kanharith has guided many generations of Cambodian reporters to perform well in information and propaganda work to serve the CPP and the country. “It can be said that since 1979, most of my journalism skills have come from Nhan Dan Newspaper,” the veteran journalist said.

According to Khieu Kanharith, Nhan Dan Newspaper has many excellent reporters. It made him particularly happy when the newspaper that had provided journalism training for Cambodia decided to open a representative office in Phnom Penh.

Cambodian Minister of Information and good memories with Nhan Dan Newspaper ảnh 1

Nhan Dan Editor-in-chief Thuan Huu (C), Cambodian Minister of Information Khieu Kanharith (L), and Vietnamese Ambassador to Cambodia Thach Du (R) attend the inaugural ceremony for Nhan Dan's representative office in Phnom Penh in mid-October 2014.

After a period of preparation, in mid-October 2014, Nhan Dan Newspaper Editor-in-chief Thuan Huu, who was serving as a member of Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee at that time, and a delegation visited Cambodia and attended the inaugural ceremony for Nhan Dan’s representative office in Phnom Penh. The Cambodian Ministry of Information applauded the event and created favourable conditions for the agency to quickly come into operation.

According to Minister Khieu Kanharith, the opening of Nhan Dan’s permanent office also aims to further enhance bilateral relations in information exchange, profession, and working experience on the ideological front, which is of great significance.

“For our part, we have a news bulletin in Vietnamese on radio in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap every day so that the Vietnamese community in Cambodia can understand the local situation. In addition, we have tried to exchange materials so that, through music, images and other forms, the Cambodian people will understand the daily life of the brotherly Vietnamese people,” the minister said.

Regarding ties with Nhan Dan Newspaper at present and in the immediate future, Khieu Kanharith suggested the two sides strengthen cooperation in terms of all news formats, such as print, television, radio and digital as well. In particular, the exchange of accurate information plays the most important role, serving as a connecting bridge to promote better and stronger cooperation between the two countries as well as mutual understanding between their peoples.

On the occasion of the 70th anniversary of Nhan Dan Newspaper - the voice of the Party, State and people of Vietnam, Cambodian Minister of Information Khieu Kanharith respectfully conveyed his regards and best wishes to Nhan Dan’s leaders and staff members, who, he said, have always shown solidarity and friendship with the Cambodian press.