AKP Phnom Penh, December 21, 2018 --

His Majesty Norodom Sihamoni, King of Cambodia, arrived home this morning after paying a royal state visit to Vietnam from Dec. 18-21, 2018, at the invitation of the Vietnamese government.

The Cambodian monarch was welcomed upon his arrival at Phnom Penh International Airport by Senate President Samdech Vibol Sena Pheakdei Say Chhum, National Assembly President Samdech Akka Moha Ponhea Chakrei Heng Samrin, Prime Minister Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen, as well as many other high-ranking officials, royal family members, and representatives of the Embassy of Vietnam in Cambodia.

During his stay in Vietnam, the monarch had a royal audience with General Secretary of the Vietnamese Communist Party and President H.E. Nguyen Phu Trong and attended a dinner reception.

According to Vietnam News Agency (VNA), during the royal audience in Hanoi on Dec. 19, the Vietnamese president congratulated the Cambodian people on the achievements they have made under the judicious reign of His Majesty the King and the leadership of the Senate, National Assembly and Government.

H.E. Nguyen Phu Trong recalled the traditional solidarity, mutual support and assistance between the two nations as well as the valuable support and help that late His Majesty the King-Father Samdech Preah Norodom Sihanouk and the Cambodian people gave Vietnam during its struggle for national independence and reunification.

The Vietnamese leader expressed his delight at meeting again His Majesty the King, a close friend of the Vietnamese people, stressing that the King’s visit showed his special sentiments to Vietnam and extended his best wishes to Her Majesty the Queen-Mother Norodom Monineath Sihanouk, and invited the King and the Queen-Mother to make a state visit or a leisure tour to Vietnam at a convenient time.

For his part, the Cambodian monarch noted with pleasure the continuous development of Cambodia-Vietnam ties in the past five decades, adding that the two countries have enjoyed good cooperation in all spheres as well as at regional and international forums, including the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

Describing Vietnam as a great friend and a close neighbour of the Cambodian people, the King affirmed that he will continue efforts to consolidate the solidarity, friendship and sustainable cooperation between the two nations.

The Cambodian people appreciate and will never forget the great and valuable support and assistance that the Vietnamese Party, State and people have reserved for them in all circumstances, he said.

During his stay in Vietnam, His Majesty the King also met with Mr. Vu Mao, Chairman of the Vietnam-Cambodia Friendship Association (VCFA) under the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organisation, and visited the President Ho Chi Minh relic site at the Presidential Palace in Hanoi.

Besides, His Majesty the King visited Da Nang and a museum there.

By Khan Sophirom