Vietnam and Cambodia have issued a joint statement on the outcomes of a two-day visit by Vietnamese State President Truong Tan Sang to the latter, focusing on trade, investment, and border cooperation.

>> Vietnam wishes to fortify, expand ties with Cambodia: President

The joint document was issued on Wednesday, the last day of President Sang’s visit that was made at the invitation of Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni. During the visit, President Sang had talks with the Cambodian King, National Assembly Chairman Heng Samrin, Prime Minister Hun Sen, First Vice President of the Senate Say Chhum, and Great Supreme Patriarchs Tep Vong and Bour Kry. At these meetings, the two sides pledged to take effective measures to bring their two-way trade to US$5 billion in 2015,  and to higher levels in the following years, the joint statement said, adding that the two nations’ bilateral trade in 2013 and the first 10 months of this year reached $3.4 billion and $2.6 billion, respectively. The host and guest also agreed to adjust their mechanisms and agreements to step up cooperation between investors of the two countries. Vietnamese investors are now implementing 128 projects in Cambodia, three times higher than that in the period before 2009, with a total investment of nearly $3.36 billion. 

Regarding the border issues, the two sides affirmed their determination to complete border demarcation and marker planting as soon as possible in order to build a boundary of peace, friendship, cooperation, and development. The joint statement also showed the two sides’ willingness to create favorable conditions as well as provide equal treatment for the Vietnamese and Cambodian communities in their respective countries. The Vietnamese side thanked the Cambodian government for ensuring legitimate rights for Vietnamese citizens living and doing business in Cambodia, according to the statement. The document also said that Vietnam and Cambodia support settlement of disputes through peaceful measures based on international law and regional commitments. The host and guest also pledged to further coordinate with each other and with other member countries of the Mekong River Commission for the sake of sustainable management and use of the river’s water resources.

Overall, the two sides affirmed that they will strengthen and expand their bilateral ties and cooperation in the spirit of good neighborliness, traditional friendship, and sustainable and comprehensive cooperation, according to the joint statement.

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