Vietnam, Cambodia gear up for 2nd border defense friendship exchange
Preparations are well underway for the second Vietnam-Cambodia Border Defense Friendship Exchange, slated for November 2025 in Vietnam’s Tay Ninh province and Cambodia’s Svay Rieng province.
A delegation from the Ministry of National Defense led by Deputy Minister Senior Lieutenant General Hoang Xuan Chien on July 14 inspected key locations for the upcoming event, including sites around the Moc Bai (Vietnam) – Bavet (Cambodia) international border gates, the symbolic border marker No. 171, the joint patrol observation area, and the site for a tree-planting ceremony. They also reviewed the planned venue for a joint military medical drill in Ben Cau commune, Tay Ninh province.
They also assessed progress on a boarding classroom project at the Ben Cau Primary School, funded by the Ministry of National Defense, according to VNA.
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| Leaders of the Tay Ninh provincial Border Guard Command report the National Defense Ministry's delegation plans to organise the Vietnam-Cambodia Border Defence Friendship Exchange. (Photo: VNA) |
In Cambodia, the delegation visited the Sang Sovanna Primary School in Svay Teap district, Svay Rieng province.
Other sites included the planned venue for the twinning ceremony between residential communities along the shared border, a helicopter landing zone at Division 5, and the location of the young officers' exchange program.
The second Vietnam-Cambodia Border Defense Friendship Exchange is expected to feature 20 activities, including five held in advance and 15 during the official program. Key events include the Vietnam-Cambodia Defense Policy Dialogue, ceremonies marking the twinning ties between border communities, free medical check-ups and medicine distribution for residents on both sides of the border, a young officers’ exchange, repainting of border markers, tree planting, inauguration of friendship projects, and high-level talks between the two defense ministries.
At each inspection site, Chien praised the urgent and responsible efforts by local units and agencies. He urged all stakeholders to intensify coordination and swiftly complete remaining tasks as well as closely cooperate with Cambodian counterparts to ensure the program is conducted solemnly and on schedule.
Vietnam, US mark 30 years of remarkable diplomatic journey
To mark the 30th anniversary of diplomatic normalization (1995–2025), U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on July 11 posted on social media platform X, acknowledging the significance of the occasion.
"Thirty years ago, the U.S. and Vietnam began a remarkable journey from former foes to Comprehensive Strategic Partners. Today, we recognize this important milestone and reaffirm our commitment to advancing peace, prosperity, and security together for a free and open Indo-Pacific," he wrote.
On the evening of July 11, 1995 (U.S. time), President Bill Clinton officially announced the normalization of diplomatic ties with Vietnam. Hours later, in the early morning of July 12, 1995 (Vietnam time), Prime Minister Vo Van Kiet made a corresponding announcement in Hanoi.
In an interview in Washington, D.C., to commemorate the anniversary, Vietnamese Ambassador to the U.S. Nguyen Quoc Dung described the bilateral journey as rare in international relations. For Vietnam, he said, the normalization process reflects the country's steadfast foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, multilateralism, and comprehensive international integration aimed at peace and development.
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| U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio. |
The ambassador highlighted four key factors contributing to the evolution of bilateral relations. Foremost, he noted, was the vision and political resolve of leaders from both nations. Second was the principle of mutual respect, particularly regarding each other's independence, sovereignty, and political systems. Third was the shared commitment to addressing the war's legacy—including dioxin remediation, bomb and mine clearance, support for Agent Orange victims, and efforts to account for missing personnel—endeavors of deep humanitarian value.
The fourth factor, according to the Ambassador, is economic and trade cooperation, which has become a powerful engine driving the partnership. Since 1995, bilateral trade has grown more than 200-fold, positioning Vietnam as one of the U.S.'s most important trading partners in ASEAN, reported VGP.
Looking ahead, Ambassador Nguyen said the relationship remains resilient and dynamic amid global and regional uncertainties, underscoring its strategic depth, mutual benefits, and adaptability.
He identified several key areas for future cooperation, including trade and investment with an emphasis on high-tech sectors, supply chain integration, smart agriculture, and digital transformation. Vietnam, he noted, aspires to become a reliable partner of the U.S. in global supply chains.
Science, technology, and innovation—particularly in semiconductors, artificial intelligence, clean energy, and healthcare—are emerging as new pillars of cooperation. Additionally, the two countries are expected to deepen collaboration in education, high-quality workforce development, defense and security, people-to-people exchanges, and continued efforts to resolve war legacies. These priority areas were clearly outlined when the two countries elevated their ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in September 2023.
Ho Chi Minh City listed among world’s 20 most colorful cities
Renowned UK travel magazine Time Out has ranked Ho Chi Minh City among the world’s 20 most colorful cities.
The southern city is full to the brim of colorful shop fronts, markets, and lanterns, the UK media outlet detailed.
The buildings found throughout Ho Chi Minh City, especially those with French architectural style, are typically yellow and white, creating both ancient and luxurious beauty. In addition, traditional markets with colorful goods, streets with bright lights and green trees help to draw a bright picture of the city, Time Out shared.
Ho Chi Minh City came in 20th position globally as one of three destinations in the Asian region to be called to the list, along with Jodhpur and Mumbai of India, which came in at eight and 17th in the world, respectively.
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| Time Out ranks Ho Chi Minh City among world’s 20 most colorful cities. |
Topping the list was Burano of Italy which has become known as the rainbow village. It is arguably Europe’s ultimate color story, with no two houses being painted the same.
Chefchaouen of Morocco focusing on shades of blue and Guatapé of Colombia, whose saturated primary colors scream energy and joy, come in at second and third, respectively.
HCM City eyes substantive, sustainable cooperation with French partners
On the solid foundation of strong Vietnam – France relations, Ho Chi Minh City takes pride in being one of the most dynamic localities in promoting cooperation with France, said Nguyen Loc Ha, Vice Chairman of the municipal People’s Committee.
In his speech at a ceremony marking France’s Bastille Day held by the French Consulate General on July 14, Ha noted that July 14 has become a symbol of Vietnam – France friendship and a meaningful occasion for their peoples to celebrate the enduring values, remarkable achievements, and the long-standing connections between two cultures in Europe and Asia.
Entering a new phase of development, HCM City hopes to continue receiving support from the French Government and business community in key areas such as digital transformation, education and training, smart infrastructure development, sustainable urban growth, and cultural heritage preservation,
The city is committed to creating the most favorable conditions in terms of policy, regulatory framework, and investment environment to ensure that cooperation initiatives with France are implemented in a substantive, effective, and sustainable manner, guided by the principle of harmonised interests and shared risks, cited VNA.
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| French Consul General in HCM City Emmanuelle Pavillon-Grosser speaks at the ceremony marking France’s Bastille Day. (Photo: VNA) |
The official expressed his belief that built on the shared history, cultural ties, strong political trust, and effective economic linkages, the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between Vietnam and France in general, and cooperation between HCM City and French localities in particular, will continue to thrive for the benefit of both peoples, as well as for peace, stability, and prosperity in the region and the world.
Addressing the ceremony, French Consul General in HCM City Emmanuelle Pavillon-Grosser highlighted the historical significance of France’s Bastille Day, commemorating the storming of the Bastille on July 14, 1789. She noted that in Vietnam, the celebration is held in a festive spirit, especially after a dynamic year in bilateral relations.
In 2024, bilateral relations reached a new height with the official visit of Party General Secretary To Lam to France in October. The year 2025 continues to open up many prospects for cooperation when President Emmanuel Macron paid a State visit to Vietnam, paving the way for the signing of strategic agreements in areas such as defence, aviation, railway, health and energy. Just weeks ago, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh also visited France to attend the third United Nations Ocean Conference, further enhancing bilateral dialogue.
Pavillon-Grosser further noted that on the basis of the good relations, a wide range of cooperation activities have taken place in HCM City across various fields, including economy, trade, innovation, technology, and AI. Education, scientific research, and culture continue to be priorities of cooperation between the two sides.
In recent times, the French Institute in Vietnam has coordinated various initiatives, including the organization of the first international film festival in HCM City, support for the establishment of the Vietnam Association of Visual Effects and Animation (VAVA), assistance for Vietnam’s first delegation to attend the Annecy International Animated Film Festival in France, and a 3D mapping light show on the facade of the municipal People’s Committee headquarters to celebrate the National Reunification Day (April 30). These initiatives have laid a strong foundation for strengthening and sustaining Vietnam – France cooperation in the years to come.
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