Cambodia, Vietnam reaffirm military ties

Deutsche Presse-Agentur dpa
Published: Thursday September 28, 2006

Phnom Penh- The complicated international situation makes a strong military alliance between Cambodia and Vietnam an ongoing advantage which will be maintained, a Cambodian official said Thursday. Speaking after a meeting between Cambodian National Assembly chief Heng Samrin and Vietnamese deputy Defence Minister Nguyen Khac Nghien, Heng Samrin's spokesman Koam Kosal told reporters the exchange had been extremely cordial and that the two nations had applauded their continued military alliance as both valuable and prudent.

"Mr Nghien told Heng Samrin that the international situation is complicated and that this point impacts on the general security and interests of our two countries. The problems of the region also impact on our two countries," Kosal said.

The meeting between Nghien, who is also chief of staff of the Vietnamese People's Army, and Heng Samrin appeared to cement the continued exchange of delegations and high level training, cooperation and interaction between the two nation's military.

Kosal said the two nations enjoyed a mutually beneficial military relationship which they wanted to continue.

Nghien is also slated to meet Cambodian Senate leader Chea Sim and Defence Minister Tea Banh during his three-day visit.

© 2006 DPA - Deutsche Presse-Agentur dpa