Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet is scheduled to undertake an official visit to Vietnam next week, following an invitation from Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh. The visit is set to occur on December 11-12, as announced by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This marks Prime Minister Hun Manet’s inaugural visit to Vietnam since assuming office in August.

At 46 years old, Hun Manet holds the distinction of being the first Cambodian graduate from the esteemed U.S. Military Academy West Point. Beyond his military background, he pursued economics, earning a master’s degree from New York University in 2002 and obtaining a doctorate degree from the U.K.’s Bristol University in 2008. Elevated to the rank of General in 2018, he has also served as the Commander and Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces (RCAF).

Diplomatic ties between Vietnam and Cambodia were established on June 24, 1967. Bilateral trade between the two nations exceeded US$10.57 billion last year, reflecting an almost 11% increase from 2021. Two-way trade in the first nine months of this year amounted to $6.5 billion. Vietnam currently stands as Cambodia’s third-largest trading partner and the largest trading partner in ASEAN.

Vietnam has 205 ongoing investment projects in Cambodia, boasting a total registered capital of $2.94 billion. This positions Vietnam at the forefront in ASEAN and among the top five countries with the highest total direct investment in Cambodia. Cambodia holds the second position among 79 countries and territories where Vietnam has invested abroad.

The two nations continue to enhance their longstanding defense and security cooperation. They have successfully completed 84% of their border demarcation and marker erection project and are actively engaged in negotiations to finalize the remaining 16%.