Vietnam-Cambodia joint victory over Khmer Rouge genocidal regime marked

Thứ ba, ngày 5 tháng 1 năm 2021 | 11:59

On January 3, in Hanoi, the Vietnam - Cambodia Friendship Association of former volunteer soldiers of Army Corps 2 held a meeting to celebrate 42 years of of Vietnam’s southwest border defense war and Vietnam-Cambodia joint victory over the Khmer Rouge genocidal regime (January 7, 1979 - January 7, 2021).

Delegates at the meeting.

The anniversary marks a milestone in the two countries’ traditional friendship and solidarity. The victory reiterated the legitimate rights of Vietnamese people and soldiers to defend their southwest border and helped the Cambodian to overthrow the genocidal regime and enter an era of peace, national reconciliation, and development.

Attending the meeting were: Senior Lieutenant-General Nguyen Van Rinh, former member of the Central Committee of CPV, former Deputy Minister of National Defense; President of the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organizations (VUFO) Nguyen Phuong Nga; Ambassador of Cambodia to Vietnam Chay Navuth; Vu Vuong Viet - Permanent Vice Chairman of Vietnam - Cambodia Friendship Association; Lt. Gen. Pham Ngoc Khoa - President of the Vietnam - Cambodia Friendship Association of former volunteer soldiers of Army Corps 2 and representatives from the armed forces, second Corps volunteer veterans, etc.

Speaking at the meeting, Khoa emphasized: “We are deeply aware that times can change, but the Vietnam-Cambodia solidarity will never change. The two countries have gone through thick and thin together, cooperated and helped one another for the cause of national liberation and construction in each country."

Southwest border defense war and Vietnam Cambodia joint victory over the Khmer Rouge genocidal regime marked

President of the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organizations (VUFO) Nguyen Phuong Nga speaks at the meeting.

VUFO President Nguyen Phuong Nga shared, the meeting commemorates the 42nd anniversary of Vietnam’s southwest border defense war and Vietnam-Cambodia joint victory over the Khmer Rouge genocidal regime which was the first public relations activity in 2021, a good opening and a practical activity towards the fifth National Congress of the Vietnam - Cambodia Friendship Association.

The victory on January 7, 1979 is a historic victory that helps the Cambodian people close the dark, traumatic history, helping the country to revive, and heralding an era of independence, freedom, democracy and social development. “This is also the victory of the cause of justice, of the fighting solidarity between the two peoples of Vietnam and Cambodia, which have a good tradition of friendship and mutual help. The history of the two countries will forever engrave that great, faithful and pure solidarity”, said Nga.

Sharing at the meeting, Cambodian Ambassador to Vietnam Chay Navuth said that the great, timely and effective help and support of Vietnam, contributed to changing Cambodia from a country salvaged by the genocidal regime, to a peaceful country, comprehensively developed in all fields.

He also expressed his affection and deep gratitude towards the Party, State and people of Vietnam for always supporting and assisting Cambodia in all fields including education to resources development, human resources, infrastructure and cooperation in other fields.

Cambodian people take part in a celebration of the victory over the genocidal regime held in Phnom Penh on January 25, 1979. Photo: VNA

According to the People's Army newspaper, on January 3, the Cambodian Embassy in Vietnam also held the 42nd anniversary of the Solidarity Front for the Development of Cambodia Motherland to show gratitude for great contributions made by Cambodian heroic officers and soldiers, and Vietnamese volunteer soldiers who sacrificed their lives during the struggle against the Khmer Rouge genocidal regime.

In April 1975 after Cambodia wrest back independence, the Pol Pol-Ieng Sary clique turned Cambodia from a peaceful country into a giant hard labor camp with massive graves and genocidal policies against their own nation. The Pol Pot-Ieng Sary clique also invaded and massacred Vietnamese people living along the southwest border.

On December 31, 1978, Vietnam reclaimed its occupied territory. At the request of the Cambodian revolution, Vietnam sent volunteer soldiers to help the Cambodians. On January 7, 1979, Phnom Penh was liberated and the genocidal regime eliminated.

The victory on January 7, 1979 was the outcome of the pure international spirit of the Vietnamese Party and State, solidarity, and national patriotism. The victory will forever remain a bright symbol of solidarity and loyalty between Vietnam and Cambodia.

Q.H t.h / thoidai.com.vn