Binh Phuoc unveils complex commemorating Cambodian PM’s national salvation journey

Binh Phuoc (VNA) – A complex of monuments commemorating Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen’s journey to seek ways to save his country from the Pol Pot genocidal regime was inaugurated in Loc Ninh district, Vietnam’s southern border province of Binh Phuoc, on June 20.

The inauguration ceremony saw the presence of Cambodian Deputy PM and Minister of National Defence Tea Banh, Vietnamese Minister of National Defence Sen. Lt. Gen. Phan Van Giang, Cambodian Ambassador to Vietnam Chay Navuth, and Binh Phuoc officials.

On June 20, 1977, after crossing the Cambodia - Vietnam border and arriving in Binh Phuoc, Hun Sen, who was then a lieutenant colonel of Region 21 in eastern Cambodia, and his comrades decided to seek help from Vietnam to overthrow the Pol Pot genocidal regime to regain peace for his homeland.

Thanks to the Vietnamese Party, State, and people’s assistance, they took gradual steps to set up the Kampuchean United Front for National Salvation and, together with Vietnamese volunteer soldiers, completely defeat the genocidal regime on January 7, 1979, saving millions of Cambodians from the genocidal disaster.

Addressing the ceremony, Chairman of the Binh Phuoc provincial People’s Committee Tran Tue Hien said construction of the monument complex started on May 8 this year. The complex features a stone stele, the place for weapon concealment at that time, the site where Hun Sen and his comrades met the Vietnamese militia and people, and an exhibition hall.

The official said the complex is expected to help people, including the young, learn more about the odyssey to save Cambodia from the Pol Pot genocidal regime, as well as the Vietnamese Party, State, and people’s support for the mission.

The complex is also hoped to serve as a contribution to the solidarity, friendship, cooperation, and mutual assistance between the two countries, including between Binh Phuoc and neighbouring Cambodian provinces./.