Vong Soth, second vice-president of the National Assembly (NA), said Cambodia has maintained comprehensive relations and cooperation with both China and Vietnam, while expressing his hope for the further strengthening and deepening of their collaboration.

He made the remarks after two separate October 23 meetings, the first with Wang Mingyu, vice-chair of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference of Liaoning province, and the second with Vietnamese ambassador to Cambodia Nguyen Huy Tang.

At the first meeting, Soth commended China for the successful organisation of the recently concluded 3rd Belt and Road Forum, highlighting the participation of multiple member countries, organisations and leaders, notably Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet.

He expressed gratitude for China’s consistent support in developing vital infrastructure in Cambodia as part of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), a crucial project for the country’s socio-economic advancement.

“Cambodia has unwaveringly backed various Chinese initiatives, including the BRI, Global Development Initiative (GDI), Global Security Initiative (GSI) and Global Civilisation Initiative (GCI),” he was cited as saying.

“On behalf of the [NA], I would like to express my support for the two governments, which have recently signed a number of agreements that will bring benefits to the people of both countries,” he added.

Wang expressed his pride in the robust partnership the two countries have nurtured since 2010. He portrayed both nations as steadfast allies with a comprehensive collaboration framework.

“To meet the needs of the two leaders, [Wang] will work to promote economic, trade, tourism and cultural cooperation between Liaoning and Cambodia, especially between Liaoning and Preah Sihanouk, which share a sister-province relationship,” Soth stated.

On the same day, he also met with Vietnamese ambassador Tang. During the meeting, the historic and evolving relationship between the neighbouring nations was underscored.

Soth expressed satisfaction over the demarcation of about 84 per cent of the border between Cambodia and Vietnam, deeming it an important achievement for future generations. He voiced optimism that the remaining boundary delineation would soon be resolved.

Tang proposed enhancing legislative ties, suggesting reciprocal visits among leaders and the inception of new collaborative mechanisms. He emphasised the importance of the NA in advancing prior agreements between the two nations.

He also urged the continuation of educational initiatives to ensure the younger generation remains informed about the Cambodian-Vietnamese relationship.

Soth agreed with Tang and expressed hope for more joint achievements that would promote collective development for both countries.