An art perfomance at the event (Photo: thanhuytphcm.vn)

During the gathering, Cambodian Consul General to Ho Chi Minh City Sok Dareth expressed his profound gratitude for the support from the Vietnamese Party and Government, as well as Vietnamese voluntary experts and soldiers, for helping Cambodia escape from the genocidal regime.

He quoted Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen as saying that, thanks to Vietnam, Cambodia could build up its armed forces and liberate the people and the country has the best friend that is Vietnam.

According to Mr. Sok Dareth, Cambodia and Vietnam have stood shoulder-to-shoulder, supporting each other at regional and international forums and cooperating in developing their economies.

“In 2020, despite the impact of COVID-19, the bilateral comprehensive cooperation saw outstanding achievements. Of particular note, the two countries recently exchanged documents ratifying two legal documents recognising the outcomes of land border demarcation and marker planting, thus helping raise bilateral ties to a new height,” he said.

Highlighting the historical significance of the victory over the genocidal Pol Pot regime, Truong Minh Nhut, President of the Vietnam-Cambodia Friendship Association of Ho Chi Minh City, said that January 7, 1979 was the manifestation of pure international solidarity and the special friendship between the Vietnamese and Cambodian peoples, bringing Cambodia out of the genocidal regime and stepping into an era of independence and freedom.

He added that the gathering was a chance for commemorating and paying gratitude to Vietnamese volunteers fallen in Cambodia. The Vietnam – Cambodia friendship and solidarity, which has been nurtured by their sweat and blood, is being consolidated in all political, economic, and socio-cultural aspects, for peace, stability and prosperity in the two countries./.

Compiled by BTA