Interaction with faculty and students of the Royal University of Phnom Penh (Cambodia)

This event is part of the "ASEAN Study Tour and Football Diplomacy in Vietnam 2019" program organized by the Faculty of International Relations, Royal University of Phnom Penh (Cambodia) from November 10-14, 2019. The program includes lectures, seminars, art performances, friendly football matches, and visits to scenic spots in Vietnam. Along with the Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam and the National Economics University, the University of Social Sciences and Humanities was selected as a venue for the exchange and discussion on the theme "Youth and a Deeper Understanding of Cambodia-Vietnam Relations in the ASEAN Context".

Attending the exchange were Mr. Chay Navuth (Ambassador of the Kingdom of Cambodia to Vietnam), Dr. Neak Chandarith (Head of the Department of International Relations, Royal University of Phnom Penh) and Prof. Dr. Pham Quang Minh (Rector of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities).

Professor Pham Quang Minh presents a commemorative gift to Dr. Neak Chandarith.

In his opening remarks, Professor Pham Quang Minh extended a warm welcome to the delegation of officials and students from Cambodia. He shared that Vietnam and Cambodia are neighboring countries with many similarities in history, culture, and politics. Therefore, events aimed at strengthening a deeper understanding between the people of the two countries are very meaningful. Through these events, people of the older generation, like himself, express their faith in the younger generation to continue and fulfill the mission of promoting bilateral relations between the two countries.

Professor Pham Quang Minh poses for a photo with Ambassador Chay Navuth (standing in the middle) and Dr. Neak Chandarith.

On behalf of the student delegation from the Royal University of Phnom Penh, Dr. Neak Chandarith expressed sincere gratitude for the warm welcome from the University of Social Sciences and Humanities. He emphasized the pioneering mission of both universities in training high-quality human resources to serve the development of both countries, and continuously improving the quality of research, training, and international cooperation. He also expressed hope that in the future, the two sides will promote cooperation in many fields and become close partners, contributing to the overall development of bilateral relations between Vietnam and Cambodia.

Professor Pham Quang Minh, Ambassador Chay Navuth, and Dr. Neak Chandarith pose for a photo with the students.

Following this, the audience listened to presentations from representatives of faculty, staff, and students from both sides. The presentations reviewed important milestones in the history of Cambodia-Vietnam relations since President Ho Chi Minh and King Norodom Sihanouk established bilateral diplomatic relations in June 1967. The two countries have gone through periods of ups and downs, especially during the struggle against imperialist forces and the war to overthrow the Khmer Rouge genocidal regime. After restoring peace and joining ASEAN (Vietnam in 1995 and Cambodia in 1999), the two countries have strived to develop multifaceted relations and are now close partners and neighbors. The speakers expressed optimism and confidence in building solidarity and close ties between the two countries, as well as emphasizing the need to strengthen unity within ASEAN as a whole, especially as Vietnam prepares to assume the ASEAN chairmanship in 2020.

Dr. Hoang Hong Nga (Faculty of History, University of Social Sciences and Humanities) presented the report "Cambodia-Vietnam Relations in the ASEAN Context".

Dr. Ngoun Kimly (Faculty of International Relations, Royal University of Phnom Penh) presented the report "Cambodia and the Pursuit of Peace".

Vietnamese students gave a presentation on "The Value of Friendship, Peace and Stability in ASEAN and the Role of Youth".

The exchange concluded with spectacular cultural performances by students from both schools, reflecting the rich cultural identity of each nation while highlighting the harmonious commonalities of Southeast Asian culture.

The dance and song performance of "Floating Water Lilies and Drifting Clouds" by Vietnamese students.

Traditional dance and musical instrument performances by Cambodian students.

Established in 1960 under the original name Royal Khmer University, Royal University of Phnom Penh (RUPP) is the oldest and largest university in Cambodia. It currently has over 5,000 students and three campuses. These campuses include: the School of Social Sciences and Humanities, the School of Engineering, the School of Development Studies, the School of Science, the School of Education, and the Institute of Foreign Languages. The university has approximately 335 faculty members, including 15 PhDs, 280 Master's degree holders, and over 125 administrative staff.