The delegation, led by Mr Phạm Anh Tuấn, Chairman of the Gia Lai Provincial People’s Committee, was received by Ratanakiri Governor Nhem Sam Oeun and senior provincial leaders in Ban Lung city during celebrations for Cambodia’s traditional Chôl Chnăm Thmây New Year.
Speaking at the meeting, Tuan highlighted the longstanding relationship between the two neighboring provinces, describing them as closely linked geographically and culturally. He expressed appreciation for Ratanakiri’s continued support in assisting Vietnam’s efforts to locate, exhume and repatriate the remains of Vietnamese volunteer soldiers and experts who died in Cambodia during wartime.
He also called for deeper cooperation in the coming years, including the development of a joint implementation plan for the 2026–2030 cooperation agreement. Proposals included simplifying customs and immigration procedures, advancing a “One-stop, single halt” mechanism, and transforming the Lệ Thanh - Oyadav border crossing into a digital, smart border gate.
Further measures outlined by Gia Lai included increased data sharing, synchronisation of working hours at border gates, enhanced trade and investment promotion, and joint efforts to upgrade transport infrastructure to facilitate logistics and production.
Gia Lai province delegates visit and extend New Year greetings in Ratanakiri province. Photo: R'Piên
Mr Phạm Anh Tuấn also pledged support for human resource training, experience sharing and funding for friendship projects in Ratanakiri, while emphasising the importance of continued coordination in border management and demarcation.
In response, Governor Nhem Sam Oeun welcomed the delegation and congratulated Tuan on his re-election as chairman of Gia Lai for the 2026-2031 term. He noted growing economic ties between the two provinces, including increased cross-border trade and a rising number of Vietnamese enterprises investing in Ratanakiri.
The governor encouraged further investment from Gia Lai in key sectors such as agriculture, tourism and mining, and proposed developing processing facilities in the Oyadav - Lệ Thanh border economic zone to support bilateral trade.
Leaders of Gia Lai and Ratanakiri provinces lay flowers at the Vietnam - Cambodia Friendship Monument in Ban Lung city, Ratanakiri province. Photo: R'Piên
On the sidelines of the visit, the two leaders laid flowers at the Vietnam - Cambodia Friendship Monument in Ban Lung, underscoring their commitment to strengthening long-term cooperation and neighbourly ties.