Cambodia and Vietnam have agreed to strengthen and expand security cooperation, noting that neither nation will allow any armed forces or political movement to use their territory to oppose any legitimate government.

The agreement was made as To Lam, a member of the Politburo of the Communist Party of Vietnam, paid a courtesy call on former Prime Minister Hun Sen, president of the ruling Cambodian People’s Party (CPP), on January 23. 

Following the meeting, Hun Sen took to social media to praise the visit.

“The Vietnamese delegation’s visit to Cambodia has made a significant contribution to strengthening the relationship between the ruling parties, governments and peoples of the two countries,” he said.

During the meeting, Lam confirmed that the Communist Party of Vietnam and its people have given their full support to the leadership of the CPP, while hailing the progress of collaboration in all sectors between the two parties, added the post.

“Security relations between our two countries are pillars which we must strengthen and expand, for the sake of our countries and peoples,” said Lam.

On the same day, Lam, who serves as Minister of Public Security, also met with Minister of Interior Sar Sokha.

During the meeting, they examined the results of the 2023 cooperation between the Kingdom’s Ministry of Interior and Vietnam’s Ministry of Public Security. Both sides also signed cooperative plans for 2024.

Government spokesman Pen Bona claimed that the agreement to prevent hostile forces from using their respective territories was an important step towards building harmony between the neighbouring countries. 

He added that the CPP has outlined clear policies which aim to establish the border between the two as one of friendship, collaboration and development. To assure the success of the policies, neither side may become a haven for opposition groups.

“The CPP platform is built on the principles of peace. Therefore, we maintain good relationships with all neighbouring countries, so we can live in peace together,” he said.

Yang Peou, secretary-general of the Royal Academy of Cambodia, noted the long history of the relations between the two parties, and the closeness of their communications. He explained that both parties have worked together for a long time, and continued to do so.

Peou also drew attention to another similarity, noting that both parties have long held state power as well. Cambodia is led by the CPP, while Vietnam is led by the Communist Party of Vietnam.

“In spite of the excellent relations between the two nations, there is still room to increase trust and transparency, foreign relations and border affairs with one another,” he said.

He added that as good neighbours, both countries must deal honestly with each other, in order to foster relations and cooperation.