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Cambodia and Vietnam deepened ties with the signing of six Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) and agreements covering trade, education, security, drug rehabilitation and cultural preservation during Vietnam’s Prime Minister Le Minh Hung’s two-day visit to Cambodia.
According to Cambodia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hung’s visit from October 9 to 10, which is his first as head of the Vietnamese government, includes an audience with King Norodom Sihamoni and Queen Mother Norodom Monineath Sihanouk at the Royal Palace, and a courtesy call on Senate President Hun Sen and National Assembly President Khuon Sudary.
A bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Hun Manet was held for parties to strengthen relations and expand mutually beneficial cooperation in areas of trade, economy and regional affairs.
According to Hun Manet’s Facebook page, six agreements and MoUs were signed, including between Cambodia’s National Authority for Combating Drugs and Vietnam’s Ministry of Public Security to jointly construct a National Center for Drug Treatment and Rehabilitation in Svay Rieng. Others were on education cooperation for 2026-2030, and the preservation and promotion of the Cambodia-Vietnam Friendship Monument. Cambodia’s National Information Technology Center and Vietnam’s Ministry of Public Security signed a deal to set up a joint trade committee and increase bilateral trade.
Both prime ministers are also expected to exchange views on regional and international issues to discuss ways to strengthen relations and expand cooperation.
The ministry said the visit would consolidate the friendly relations between Cambodia and Vietnam, strengthen their bonds of solidarity and reaffirm their shared commitment to deepening bilateral ties.
The Vietnam News Agency reported that the Hung’s visit aims to strengthen political trust, expand high-level exchanges and advance agreements reached by senior leaders of the two countries.
Political relations have continued to grow, with defense and security cooperation remaining a key pillar of bilateral ties. Cooperation in trade, investment, tourism, education, culture and health care has also expanded, alongside people-to-people exchanges.
Bilateral trade reached $11.3 billion in 2025, up 11.7% from 2024, while trade rose 8.3% to $8.7 billion in the first eight months of 2026. Trade is projected to reach $13 billion for 2026.
In the past, leaders of both countries hoped bilateral trade would rise to $20 billion in the future through the removal of trade barriers and strengthening of economic ties.
Cambodia’s exports to Vietnam include paddy rice, milled rice, rubber and other agricultural products, while imports consist of fuel, steel, construction materials and textiles.
