Vietnamese Prime Minister Le Minh Hung is paying an official visit to Cambodia. Uch Leang, Acting Director of the Department of Asia, Africa and Middle East Studies at the Royal Academy of Cambodia's Institute of International Relations, said the visit should turn high-level agreements into practical projects.
Leang is also president of the Association of Cambodian Alumni who studied in Vietnam. He said the two countries should focus on economic and infrastructure connectivity that benefits people and businesses.
The expert said bilateral relations matter for peace, stability, connectivity and cooperation in ASEAN. High-level contacts in 2026 have strengthened political trust, while cooperation in the economy, defence, security, border affairs and people-to-people exchanges has continued to expand.
Transport and border projects
In the coming period, the two sides should move from expanding cooperation to improving its quality. Priorities include transport infrastructure, border gates, logistics, trade, investment and economic zones. These areas should strengthen links among goods, businesses and production chains.
The Ho Chi Minh City, Moc Bai, Bavet, Phnom Penh expressway could become a growth driver if it is implemented effectively, Leang said.
He also called for deeper defence, security and border-management cooperation, including efforts to combat transnational crime and address non-traditional security challenges.
People-to-people exchanges
Leang also highlighted people-to-people exchanges, education, culture and youth engagement. He said these contacts provide a social foundation for long-term understanding and trust, especially as the two countries prepare to mark the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2027.
The expert said the content and methods of these exchanges should be renewed. They should move beyond ceremonial events and include substantive, interactive programmes. Digital platforms and social media could help young people in Vietnam and Cambodia communicate regularly and share knowledge.
Leang proposed a long-term programme involving young people, students, scholars and alumni networks of people who studied in Vietnam.
Three areas for the visit
Leang expects the visit to provide momentum in three areas. First, it should strengthen dialogue and strategic coordination between senior leaders and relevant agencies. Second, it should turn political trust into economic, trade and investment programmes, border-area development, infrastructure, defence and security cooperation. Third, it should create regular mechanisms to discuss borders, security, transnational crime, water-resource management and other issues requiring coordination.
Sources: VietnamPlus / Vietnam News Agency
