Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence Tea Banh said the fourth Golden Dragon military drill with China, held in Kampot province from March 15-30, has left a strong mark on the history of cooperation between the two countries.

The military exercises were carried out under the theme United to Counter-terrorism and Cambodia-Chinese Humanitarian Work.

He said both countries’ armies fought together to clear obstacles during the Covid-19 outbreak to successfully organise the military exercise.

At the closing ceremony, which was held in Chumkiri district’s Trapaing Raing commune, Banh said the goal of the operation was to share knowledge and enhance solidarity and friendship between the two countries.

The exercise was not a threat to any country, Banh said.

On the contrary, he said it was a joint effort to combat terrorism, which is a common responsibility that countries across the globe must share to maintain regional and global security.

“Countries all over the world, and particularly Cambodia and China, have been actively fighting the spread of the critical Covid-19 pandemic.

“Despite the difficulties, the two countries have overcome all obstacles. Together, shoulder-to-shoulder, the joint military exercises were successfully organised as planned,” he said.

The exercise featured over 3,000 Cambodian and Chinese soldiers, tanks, armoured vehicles, helicopter gunners, intelligence equipment, demining tools, and chemical detoxing equipment.

At the closing ceremony, Banh offered his condolences for the loss of thousands of Chinese lives and the serious economic impact on China caused by Covid-19.

“In whatever situation, the government and people of Cambodia remain firm in their strong cooperation with the Chinese government and people. Hopefully, this deadly disease will vanish from the world soon,” he said.

Chinese Ambassador to Cambodia Wang Wentian who was present at the closing ceremony said the two countries’ armies have shown a solid steel-like friendship.

“This training exercise, which was organised under a unique and deeply meaningful situation, has been recorded in the history of the friendship and cooperation between the two countries and their armies,” he said.