Vietnam and Cambodia share a unique and invaluable relationship that is beneficial to both nations.

DNHN - A joint conference was convened in Tay Ninh on November 12, 2023, under the auspices of Ms. Men Sam On, Chairwoman of the Vietnam-Cambodia Friendship Association, and the Central Vietnam-Cambodia Friendship Association.

The purpose of the conference was to provide a comprehensive assessment and analysis of the outcomes that have been accumulated over one year since the "Memorandum of Understanding on the coordination of activities for the period 2022-2027 between the Vietnam-Vietnam Friendship Association and the Cambodia-Vietnam Friendship Association" was signed in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, on January 1, 2020.

Comrade Nguyen Thanh Tam, Secretary of the Tay Ninh Provincial Party Committee and Member of the Party Central Committee stated at the conference, "Vietnam and Cambodia are two close neighbours with a long history of devoted friendship." The populations of the two nations have endured adversity, experienced happiness and sadness together, and fought against common foes throughout history. The people of both nations have consistently achieved significant triumphs in their ongoing pursuit of national construction and development, as well as in their previous national liberation struggles, through the support and collaboration of their respective communities. This unique relationship, which has been cultivated with great care by successive generations of leaders and citizens of both nations, is progressively producing positive results and is emerging as an invaluable resource for both communities.

The secretary of the Tay Ninh Provincial Party Committee - N Tam determined, "As a province bordering the Kingdom of Cambodia, Tay Ninh is always determined to strengthen and promote comprehensive cooperation with localities of the Kingdom of Cambodia, one of the Top priorities and have achieved positive results, contributing to making the friendship and cooperation between Vietnam and Cambodia increasingly deep, beautiful and sustainable."

In recent years, Tay Ninh has established, sustained, and developed comprehensive cooperation with four friendly provinces in the Kingdom of Cambodia, including three bordering provinces (Svay Rieng, Prey Veng, and Tboung Khmum) and one province with which it has a close relationship (KamppongCham), in addition to maintaining and constructing a peaceful, stable, and developed border. Delegations from the governments and organisations of the two sides' provinces, districts, and communes convene annually to attend ceremonies, sign cooperation memoranda, and conduct meetings and visits. Coordinate economic, trade, cultural, athletic, and physical exchange activities, in addition to ensuring border security and order; celebrate Tet and each other's significant events.

Throughout the conference's working day, delegates from both associations provided summaries of reports, assessed the performance of each association, and reviewed the outcomes of collaborative efforts between the two organisations in executing the Memorandum of Understanding in 2023. Additionally, the conference deliberated on the program's structure and content in preparation for the 2024 implementation of the aforementioned Memorandum of Understanding. As a result, by 2023, both organisations will have mastered and proactively adhered to the memorandum's fundamental provisions to construct operational plans and integrate highly coordinated implementation with a substantial amount of effort; they will have accomplished highly commendable results in the majority of the fields and provisions outlined in the memorandum. In particular, it emphasises the significance of educating and disseminating propaganda regarding the tradition of comprehensive cooperation, friendship, and solidarity to the citizens of both nations and the members of the two associations, with a particular focus on the younger generation. From Vietnam to Cambodia.

This work will continue to be promoted in 2023 through an increasing variety of innovative and dynamic forms and strategies that are also becoming more effective. In particular, the Vietnam-Cambodia Friendship Association published a yearbook for all levels of the organisation in November 2022, following the successful coordination of the two organisations in organising the 5th People's Friendship and Cooperation Meeting and summarising ten years of "Friendship Nurturing" activities in the provinces of Dak Nong and Binh Phuoc. The yearbook is comprised of leaders' speeches, reports, and relevant documents and images that provide insights into the Conference. generating research and study materials, disseminating propaganda, and educating members regarding the two countries' people-to-people cooperation, friendship, and solidarity.

The two associations reached a consensus to prioritise collaboration in 2023 about delegation exchanges, the organisation of amicable gatherings, cultural interchanges, and community initiatives aimed at eradicating hunger, reducing poverty, and surmounting the repercussions of natural calamities and epidemics. with suitable capabilities and configurations. The coordination between the two organisations in organising volunteer activities, distributing free medicine to impoverished people in border regions, and facilitating medical examinations and treatments for Cambodians residing in Vietnam was greatly appreciated. The objective was to assist and establish favourable conditions for the Vietnamese community residing in Cambodia, particularly those residing on Tonle Sap Lake and in riverside areas, to relocate ashore in pursuit of a better life. integration and stability into Cambodian society.

Additionally, the two organisations acknowledged favourable outcomes stemming from the "Friendship Nurturing" initiative instigated by the Vietnam-Cambodia Friendship Association. Hundreds of Cambodian students have been sponsored voluntarily by grassroots organisations, companies, members (particularly former experts and military volunteers), sociopolitical organisations, and businessmen. whereas he is pursuing his education in Vietnam, thereby facilitating optimal academic conditions for Cambodian pupils.

In addition, the two associations reached an agreement to continue researching and presenting proposals to the authorities and municipalities of both countries regarding the implementation of the ideas outlined in point 3 of section II of the Memorandum of Understanding. Encourage collaboration shortly regarding the establishment of vocational training programmes for youth residing in provinces that share a border with both nations. Collaborate with the Central Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union and the Vietnam Women's Union to organise exchange programmes for young people and women of both nations. Foster economic, trade, and investment cooperation initiatives between the two countries, with a particular focus on coordinating efforts between neighbouring communities along the border. This will facilitate the expansion of business ventures and make business cooperation more efficient and practical.

During the conference, we were also presented with a report by Mr Chap Sotharith, the General Secretary of the Cambodia-Vietnam Friendship Association, which detailed the organization's work activities in 2023 and its strategic plan for the years 2022 to 2027. Furthermore, delegates from Vietnam and Cambodia delivered presentations and shared their experiences regarding people-to-people friendship initiatives involving bordering agencies, units, provinces, districts, and communes.

The two associations reached a programmatic agreement to coordinate and execute the 2024 Memorandum of Understanding, which persists in disseminating extensive propaganda to their respective national and international audiences. Advise the youth regarding the cooperation, friendship, and solidarity between Vietnam and Cambodia; combat swiftly the false and distorted beliefs of hostile forces that seek to sabotage this harmonious and cooperative relationship. Facilitate the coordination of propaganda and advocacy efforts across all levels of associations, members of both nations, and the Cambodian populace to encourage proactive information dissemination and collaboration with governmental and functional entities in the pursuit, collection, and repatriation of remains. Throughout history, Vietnamese volunteer martyrs have made the ultimate sacrifice in Cambodia. Their efforts have also included the preservation, embellishment, and administration of historical relics and monuments, which stand as magnificent representations of the nation's people's friendship and solidarity.

The Vietnam-Cambodia Friendship Association is anticipated to coordinate two visits to Cambodia in 2024: one will consist of former experts, volunteers, and relatives of martyrs who perished in Cambodia, and the other will be comprised of members attending the annual meeting of the two organisations. Facilitate the coordination of endeavours aimed at fostering economic, commercial, and investment collaboration between the two nations, with a particular focus on the city. Establish favourable conditions for businesses of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, and Phnom Penh, Cambodia, as well as between border communities, to facilitate the expansion of business investment cooperation between the two nations more efficiently and practically...

Uyen Nhi