The two military men look at a display on military ties. KT/Ven Rathavong
Khmer Times/Ven Rathavong
Wednesday, 30 November 2016
Since 1980, Cambodia has sent nearly 17,000 military officials for training in Vietnam, which has inspired Defense Minister Tea Banh to pose the idea of an alumni gathering for all military officials who have received overseas training.
General Meas Sam Ol, director of the Defense Ministry’s personnel department, said yesterday during a gathering of military officials who have trained in Vietnam that 4,895 military officials received long-, medium- or short-term training in Vietnam from 1980 until 1989.
He added that from 2002 until the present, 12,068 military officials have received training, with 10,230 already graduated and 1,038 still studying.
Gen. Sam Ol said the officials studied all skills related to military procedure.
Major General Le Hien Van, deputy director of the Vietnam People’s Army’s general department of politics, said at the alumni gathering: “Until present, more than 15,000 Cambodian military officials have studied at institutes of the Vietnam People’s Army.
“This figure is very significant and reflects close cooperation and efficiency between both countries’ armies for building and training human resources and enhancing army development,” he said, adding that more than 1,000 Cambodian military officials are now studying long term in Vietnam.
He added that they could use their knowledge to develop Cambodia upon their return.
In front of 1,200 officials who trained in Vietnam, Gen. Banh said: “We will provide an opportunity for all trainees [military officials] who have studied in other countries. If you all want to hold an alumni gathering, we will do it.”
He added that officials have been sent to study in Russia, Australia, the US, China and other countries. He said he would support a gathering of students who have trained overseas.
In June, Vietnam’s National Defense Minister Ngo Xuan Lich paid a visit to Cambodia and pledged to expand military cooperation, continue providing training to army officials and build human resources in the military sector.
