AKP Phnom Penh, April 29, 2025 --

As a good neighbour, close friend, and brother-sister nation to Viet Nam, the Cambodian people proudly stand alongside the Vietnamese people in celebrating the 50th anniversary of Viet Nam’s reunification.

This historic milestone not only marks the liberation and reunification of Viet Nam but also symbolises the end of imperialism in the Mekong region.

It reflects the resolve, resilience, and sacrifices of the people of Viet Nam, Cambodia, and Laos who struggled together to achieve full independence, national sovereignty, and dignity.

The story of Viet Nam’s reunification is not just a Vietnamese story—it is a story shared by all peoples around the world.

Throughout the long and arduous journey toward independence, Cambodia, Laos, and Viet Nam stood together, bound by a shared destiny.

Viet Nam's successful reunification would not have been possible without the solidarity and support of Cambodia and Laos. Likewise, Cambodia's liberation from the genocidal Khmer Rouge regime in 1979 would not have been possible without the support of Viet Nam and Laos.

This collective history teaches us an enduring lesson: Cambodia, Laos, and Viet Nam must stay united under all circumstances.

In times of peace as in times of hardship, through thick and thin, unity is our greatest strength. Only through mutual support and solidarity can we safeguard our core national interests—peace, stability, sovereignty, territorial integrity, and independence.

Today, in the face of rising global uncertainty and disruption, this lesson is even more relevant. We are witnessing the erosion of multilateralism and the weakening of the rules-based international order that has underpinned global peace and stability for decades.

In such a context, Cambodia, Laos, and Viet Nam must continue to closely coordinate their positions on regional and international issues, build consensus through consultation, and act based on mutual trust and shared interests.

It is essential that our three countries work hand-in-hand to uphold and strengthen the multilateral system and ensure that international rules and norms are respected by all. Only by doing so can we preserve the hard-won peace, independence, and dignity that our nations have fought with blood, sweat and tears.

Strengthening ASEAN’s centrality is critical to this effort. An ASEAN-driven and ASEAN-led regional architecture remains our best guarantee for maintaining peace, stability, and prosperity in Southeast Asia.

We must continue to implement effectively the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation, uphold the ASEAN Charter, and advance the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific, which reflects ASEAN’s vision for an open, inclusive, transparent, and rules-based regional order.

Against the backdrop of ongoing global trade tensions and the weakening of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), ASEAN must also speak with one strong and united voice to defend the multilateral trading system. We must condemn all violations of the rules-based multilateral system and resist protectionist and unilateralist tendencies that threaten to divide our region and weaken global trade.

At the same time, ASEAN must continue to deepen regional economic integration and pursue open and inclusive multilateralism.

Engaging external dialogue partners in promoting a free, open, and rules-based trading regime is vital for sustaining economic growth and ensuring that our region remains dynamic, innovative, and resilient.

The story of Viet Nam’s reunification tells us that nothing is more valuable than independence and freedom. It reminds us that true sovereignty is not given—it is fought for, earned, and defended through sacrifice, resilience, and unity.

At the national, regional, and international levels, we must continue to stand firm against imperialism, foreign interventions, and all forms of domination that undermine our independence and dignity. ASEAN is important shield protecting the core interests of the Member States.

Viet Nam today serves as a shining example of national resilience. Its journey from war to peace, from devastation to prosperity, is a powerful testament to the strength of the human spirit and the power of national unity.

Over the past five decades, especially after Doi Moi in 1986, Viet Nam’s governance and economic reform have delivered concrete outcomes. Viet Nam’s development story is a source of learning and inspiration for other developing countries.

As we commemorate the 50th anniversary of Viet Nam’s reunification, we honour not only Viet Nam’s achievements but also the shared struggles, sacrifices, and aspirations of the peoples of Cambodia, Laos, and Viet Nam.

We reaffirm our commitment to working together to preserve peace, uphold sovereignty, strengthen unity, and promote a just and equitable international order based on international law and mutual respect.

Let this anniversary be a reminder to us all: that solidarity is our greatest asset, that resilience is our greatest strength, and that independence and freedom are our greatest treasures.

As we move forward into an uncertain future, Cambodia, Laos, and Viet Nam must continue to walk side by side—united in purpose, strong in spirit, and unwavering in our commitment to building a better, freer, and more peaceful world.

By Chheang Vannarith, Chairman of National Assembly Advisory Council.

(The views here are his own.)