Defence Minister General Phung Quang Thanh and his Cambodian counterpart Tia Banh have inked a protocol and a cooperation plan between the two defence ministries for this year.

At their talks on March 6 in Ho Chi Minh City, the two sides have informed each other about the situation regarding politics, economics, social affairs, defence and security in their respective country in recent times, and reviewed the results of defence cooperation and mutual assistance.

General Thanh thanked the Cambodian Government and the Defence Ministry for their cooperation and assistance, especially in search and burying work and providing sets of remains of voluntary Vietnamese soldiers during the war time in Cambodia.

He affirmed the Vietnam People's Army (VPA)’s willingness to reinforce solidarity and increase support for the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces in the national construction and protection process.

For his part, General Tia Banh said the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces have always treasured the sound neighbourliness and friendship with Vietnam and would do their best to maintain and further develop this good relationship.

Both sides highlighted the effective defence cooperation as one of the pillars of bilateral relations, noting that increased cooperation in personnel training, border protection and sea joint patrol has facilitated economic development in the two countries’ border areas as well as fishermen’s lives.

The two ministers agreed to continue bolstering ties in a comprehensive manner by intensifying delegation exchange, education and training, search efforts and repatriation of remains of voluntary Vietnamese soldiers.

The high-level military delegation led by General Tia Ban paid a working visit to Vietnam on March 6-7 with the purpose of fortifying defence ties.