AKP Phnom Penh, August 29, 2025 --

The Ambassadors of Cambodia and Vietnam to Bulgaria, H.E. Dr. Chea Chanboribo and H.E. Nguyen Thi Minh Nguyet, held a courtesy meeting at the Embassy of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam in Sofia today.

The meeting underscored the strong, long-standing bonds of solidarity and cooperation between the two nations.

During the discussion, the ambassadors exchanged views on bilateral relations, shared history, and recent developments at regional and international levels. They paid particular attention to the upcoming 80th National Day of Vietnam and the evolving situation along the Cambodia–Thailand border.

Ambassador Chea Chanboribo extended his congratulations to Vietnam on its upcoming National Day, highlighting it as a reminder of the decades-long friendship between the two countries. He noted that Senate President Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen, former Cambodian Prime Minister, recently attended a National Day reception at the Vietnamese Embassy in Phnom Penh and is scheduled to participate in the celebrations in Hanoi, demonstrating the high level of political commitment to the Cambodia–Vietnam friendship.

Reflecting on their shared history, the Cambodian diplomat emphasised that both Cambodians and Vietnamese endured immense hardship during their struggles for independence. He credited this shared solidarity with laying the foundation for today's cooperation. He also reiterated Cambodia’s "eternal gratitude" for Vietnam’s assistance on January 7, 1979, when Vietnamese forces helped liberate Cambodians from the genocidal Khmer Rouge regime. 

He further noted the humanitarian support Vietnamese soldiers provided during that period, despite Vietnam’s own internal challenges.

H.E. Chea Chaboribo also highlighted the steady growth of economic ties, pointing to an increasing number of Vietnamese companies investing in Cambodia and stressing the importance of expanding trade for the prosperity of both peoples.

Turning to regional security, he briefed his counterpart on the situation along the Cambodia–Thailand border, reaffirming Cambodia’s firm commitment to peace. He stated that Cambodia, having suffered greatly from war, has no desire for renewed conflict. 

He underlined that despite Thailand’s accusations, Cambodia has strictly observed the 2000 Memorandum of Understanding on border demarcation and the ceasefire agreement signed on July 28, 2025, in Putrajaya, Malaysia.

He clarified that any landmines along the border are remnants of past conflicts and not newly laid devices, noting that Vietnamese forces who assisted after January 7, 1979, can attest to this. He added that Cambodia continues to honor its obligations under the ceasefire agreement.

H.E. Ambassador expressed deep regret over recent clashes, noting that Thailand had used heavy weaponry against Cambodian positions, including warplanes, drones, and cluster munitions. He also stated that 20 Cambodian soldiers were captured after the ceasefire took effect, and now 18 of them remain under Thai custody. While both sides are currently adhering to the truce, he noted that Cambodia remains concerned about unilateral actions by the Thai side, such as the erection of fencing, fishing net barriers, and the demolition of houses along the border.

The Cambodian Embassy in Sofia continues to update the Bulgarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Vietnamese Embassy on these developments, reaffirming Cambodia’s commitment to the ceasefire agreement.

For her part, Ambassador Nguyen Thi Minh Nguyet thanked H.E. Chea Chanboribo for his congratulations on Vietnam’s National Day and for his reflections on their shared history. She outlined a wide range of commemorative events planned for Vietnam’s 80th National Day, including a military parade in Hanoi and diplomatic receptions in Sofia. 

She also highlighted the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Bulgaria, underscoring Vietnam’s commitment to strengthening these historic ties.

Ambassador Nguyen expressed hope for closer cooperation among the limited number of ASEAN embassies in Sofia to promote the organisation’s visibility and enhance ASEAN–EU cooperation. She reaffirmed Vietnam’s strong support for the peaceful settlement of disputes and dialogue, stressing that ASEAN nations must stand united to prevent conflict.

She concluded by emphasising that Cambodia and Vietnam share the Mekong River and a common history of struggle, and continue to support each other in the pursuit of peace, stability, and economic growth.

The meeting concluded with both ambassadors reaffirming their commitment to strengthening bilateral ties and working together to promote peace and development in the region.

By K. Rithy Reak