Viet Nam, Cambodia agree on border defence friendship exchange plan

The Ministries of National Defence of Viet Nam and Cambodia have reached a comprehensive agreement on the organisation of the second Viet Nam - Cambodia Border Defence Friendship Exchange, set to take place on November 13 - 14.

An overview of the working session (Photo: VNA)

A joint working session was held in Vietnam’s southern province of Tay Ninh’s Tan Ninh ward to finalise preparations. Senior Lieutenant General Hoang Xuan Chien, Deputy Minister of National Defence, led the Vietnamese delegation to the event, while General Phat Vibolsopheak, Deputy Director-General of the Cambodian Defence Ministry’s General Department of Policy and Foreign Affairs and Director of the Department of International Cooperation, headed the Cambodian side.

The meeting focused on coordination mechanisms and clearly defining the responsibilities of the two countries’ defence ministries and local forces. Both sides agreed to ensure the event adheres to international law, and national regulations and cultural customs while maintaining safety and efficiency.

General Vibolsopheak expressed full support for Viet Nam’s proposals, noting Cambodia’s active preparations and close collaboration to ensure a smooth, meaningful programme that is expected to help strengthen friendship, cooperation, and mutual understanding between armed forces and peoples of the two countries.

Pham Hung Thai, Deputy Secretary of the Tay Ninh Party Committee, emphasised the political and diplomatic significance of the exchange, calling it an honour for Tay Ninh and an opportunity to promote local development and external affairs. The province is coordinating closely with national agencies to guarantee thorough and effective preparations.

Sen. Lieut. Gen. Chien reaffirmed the strategic importance of the event, calling it one of the most significant defence diplomacy initiatives of 2025. He highlighted its role in promoting the Party and State’s foreign policy of solidarity with neighbouring countries, and as a driver of socio-economic progress, border stability, and regional cooperation.

He urged the Cambodian side to continue working closely with Vietnamese military units, particularly in preparing key venues in accordance with UN protocols. Vietnamese units and Tay Ninh province were instructed to prioritise security, logistics, public engagement, and inter-agency coordination.

In Viet Nam, key activities will include official welcoming and farewell ceremonies for Cambodia’s Defence Minister, a tree-planting event symbolising bilateral friendship, a joint military medical drill, the inauguration of a new school in Ben Cau commune, a cross-border community twinning ceremony, a bilateral defence talks, and signing of cooperation agreements, and cultural and artistic exchanges.

Meanwhile, Cambodia will host a joint flag-raising and repainting of border marker 171, coordinated border guard patrols, a tree-planting ceremony, the groundbreaking for Sang Sovanna Primary School, and visits and gift presentations to the Military Police Command in Svay Rieng province.

The upcoming exchange reflects growing Viet Nam - Cambodia defence cooperation and the shared commitment to peaceful, stable, and prosperous border development.

NDO