The Cambodian Ministry of Interior and Vietnam’s Ministry of Public Security have signed an agreement that will see them strengthen their bilateral cooperation, according to the state-run Vietnam News Agency (VNA).
The signing took place as interior minister Sar Kheng paid a March 3-5 visit at the invitation of his Vietnamese counterpart To Lam.
“The two ministries reviewed the results of their 2022 cooperation plan and signed a new one for this year at a March 4 conference in Hanoi,” said the VNA.
According to the news agency, in 2022, despite the difficulties caused by the Covid-19 outbreak, the police forces of the two ministries increased their cooperation. They shared intelligence and worked closely on cross-border crime, with some significant results.
During a March 4 meeting with Vietnamese President Vo Van Thuong, Sar Kheng, who is also deputy prime minister, called on Vietnam to share its experience and support Cambodia’s efforts to stage several major events this year, including the upcoming July general election, the 32nd Southeast Asian (SEA) Games and 12th ASEAN Para Games.
He also suggested increased border cooperation and the opening of two new international crossing points.
According to the VNA, Thuong acceded to both requests.
During his visit, Sar Kheng also found time to hold a March 5 meeting with 76 Cambodian National Police trainees who are studying at the Vietnamese University of Fire Fighting and Prevention.
He praised the efforts of the trainees and encouraged them to pay close attention to their instructors.
“I instructed the cadets remain disciplined and respectful, and reminded them of the importance of mastering both the theory and practice of what they are learning,” he said in a social media post.
He thanked the Vietnamese instructors and staff for the cooperation and support through the training of Cambodian police officers, both in the present and future.
The trainees are studying security, information technology, fire prevention and fighting, prison management and telecommunications.
