A delegation from Vietnam’s Ho Chi Minh city yesterday requested support from National Assembly President Heng Samrin to set up a twin city arrangement between it and Phnom Penh.

Kim San, deputy chief of Mr Samrin’s cabinet, told reporters after the meeting that the delegation led by Nguyen Thi Le, Ho Chi Minh city Party Committee Deputy Secretary, is seeking to improve cooperation between the two cities.

He noted that both parties discussed future cooperation and possible collaborations.

Mr San said that during the meeting, Ms Nguyen informed Mr Samrin about HCM city’s socio-economic development, and highlighted the city’s respect for relations between the two cities and between the two countries.

She requested Mr Samrin to support bilateral cooperation between both cities and countries, noting that the HCM city is ready to share its experiences in development with the City Hall administration.

Mr San said that during her visit to the Kingdom, Ms Nguyen will also meet several government officials on mutual cooperation.

“Ms Nguyen said that during her visit, she will discuss possible cooperation in several sectors, including the development of the Cho Ray hospital,” he said, noting that the hospital which was inaugurated in January 2014 is a joint venture between the two countries.

In response, Mr San said Mr Samrin praised the strong cooperation already existing between the two cities over the past decades.

“Samdech [Mr Samrin] stressed on the traditional solidarity and friendship between both countries and their joint efforts towards sustainable development through the exchange of experience,” Mr San said. “Mr Samrin also expects future cooperation to be greater.”

Mr San noted that Mr Samrin also expressed high appreciation for the successful socio-economic development both countries enjoy.

“Mr Samrin also believes that the strong growth of HCM will make the city once again a Pearl of the Orient as it was once in the past,” he added.

• Tags: Ho Chi Minh City, Phnom Penh, twin city, Vietnam