Phnom Penh: As a good neighbour, close friend, and brother-sister nation to Viet Nam, the Cambodian people proudly stand alongside the Vietnamese people in celebrating the 50th anniversary of Viet Nam's reunification. This historic milestone not only marks the liberation and reunification of Viet Nam but also symbolises the end of imperialism in the Mekong region.
According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, the reunification of Viet Nam reflects the resolve, resilience, and sacrifices of the people of Viet Nam, Cambodia, and Laos who struggled together to achieve full independence, national sovereignty, and dignity. The story of Viet Nam's reunification is not just a Vietnamese story-it is a story shared by all peoples around the world.
Throughout the long and arduous journey toward independence, Cambodia, Laos, and Viet Nam stood together, bound by a shared destiny. Viet Nam's successful reunification would not have been possible without the solidarity and support of Cambodia and Laos. Likewise, Cambodia's liberation from the genocidal Khmer Rouge regime in 1979 would not have been possible without the support of Viet Nam and Laos.
This collective history teaches an enduring lesson: Cambodia, Laos, and Viet Nam must stay united under all circumstances. Unity is considered the greatest strength, ensuring that mutual support and solidarity help safeguard core national interests such as peace, stability, sovereignty, territorial integrity, and independence.
Today, in the face of rising global uncertainty and disruption, this lesson is more relevant than ever. There is a noticeable erosion of multilateralism and a weakening of the rules-based international order that has underpinned global peace and stability for decades. In this context, Cambodia, Laos, and Viet Nam must continue to closely coordinate their positions on regional and international issues, build consensus through consultation, and act based on mutual trust and shared interests.
Strengthening ASEAN's centrality is critical to this effort. An ASEAN-driven and ASEAN-led regional architecture remains the best guarantee for maintaining peace, stability, and prosperity in Southeast Asia. Effective implementation of the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation, upholding the ASEAN Charter, and advancing the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific are essential steps in maintaining an open, inclusive, transparent, and rules-based regional order.
Against the backdrop of ongoing global trade tensions and the weakening of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), ASEAN must also speak with a strong and united voice to defend the multilateral trading system. There is a need to condemn all violations of the rules-based multilateral system and resist protectionist and unilateralist tendencies that threaten to divide the region and weaken global trade.
The story of Viet Nam's reunification tells us that nothing is more valuable than independence and freedom. It reminds us that true sovereignty is not given-it is fought for, earned, and defended through sacrifice, resilience, and unity. Viet Nam today serves as a shining example of national resilience. Its journey from war to peace, from devastation to prosperity, is a powerful testament to the strength of the human spirit and the power of national unity.
Over the past five decades, especially after Doi Moi in 1986, Viet Nam's governance and economic reform have delivered concrete outcomes. Viet Nam's development story is a source of learning and inspiration for other developing countries. As the 50th anniversary of Viet Nam's reunification is commemorated, it is also a time to honour the shared struggles, sacrifices, and aspirations of the peoples of Cambodia, Laos, and Viet Nam.
The commitment is reaffirmed to work together to preserve peace, uphold sovereignty, strengthen unity, and promote a just and equitable international order based on international law and mutual respect. As Cambodia, Laos, and Viet Nam move forward into an uncertain future, they must continue to walk side by side-united in purpose, strong in spirit, and unwavering in their commitment to building a better, freer, and more peaceful world.