Vietnam and Cambodia agreed to intensify their traditional multi-faceted co-operation in a joint statement issued on Saturday, wrapping up Party General Secretary Nong Duc Manh’s official visit to Cambodia.

Party General Secretary Nong Duc Manh visits Sihanoukville international seaport in Cambodia.

The bases of the bilateral ties were outlined in the 1999 and 2005 high-level joint statements between the two countries.

They included respect of the other’s independence and sovereignty, non-interference in the internal affairs of each country, no use of force nor threat of the use of force, the banning of national territories being used by a third party to engage in attacks on the other, co-operation on an equal basis and for mutual benefit, use of peaceful negotiations to solve bilateral issues in the interest of both peoples, for peace, stability, co-operation and development in Southeast Asia.

Viet Nam and Cambodia agreed on more high-ranking meetings to increase mutual understanding and confidence, create and enhance favourable conditions for the expansion of dynamic co-operation between the two countries’ legislators, executive bodies, and local people’s organisations and authorities, particularly those in bordering areas.

The two sides placed importance on their economic co-operation, applauding the signing of co-operative agreements in aviation, rubber planting, electricity and petroleum.

They agreed to intensify co-operation in combating cross-border crimes and illegal immigration, reaffirming their policies of not allowing any hostile forces to use their respective national territories to threaten the security of the other.

The two countries would continue working together in searching, exhuming and repatriating the remains of Vietnamese volunteer soldiers who fell in Cambodia.

Both sides were determined to complete the land border demarcation and the planting of border markers by the end of 2012, so as to develop the shared borderline into the one of peace, friendship, co-operation and sustainable development.

The two countries pledged to continue working closely together in raising awareness among people living on the borders of the respective countries of the agreements and regulations relating to the common borderline.

They reached a consensus on continuously providing favourable conditions and equal treatment for Vietnamese and Cambodian expatriates as well as foreign expatriates living in their countries.

Viet Nam and Cambodia agreed to enhance their close co-operation with Laos and other countries in developing the Viet Nam-Laos-Cambodia Development Triangle into an area of peace, security and prosperity.

They also agreed to boost bilateral co-operation and co-operation with other partners of the Greater Mekong Sub-region for environmental protection and the rational use of the Mekong River’s water resources.

The two countries pledged to continue to join efforts with other regional countries in making Southeast Asia a region of peace, co-operation and prosperity, and increase co-ordination at other regional and international forums.

Before leaving the neighbouring country, the Party leader met with the staff of the Vietnamese Consulate General and representatives of the overseas Vietnamese community in Preah Sihanouk Province.

Manh and his entourage also paid a floral tribute to Vietnamese war fallen combatants at a monument in the province and visited the Sihanoukville international seaport.

VietNamNet/Vietnam News