The Ministry of Foreign Affairs commented on the inflammatory remarks on Hun Sen's TikTok channel.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized that comments on Hun Sen's social media account regarding the Funan Techo canal, allegedly originating from Vietnam, do not represent the views of the Vietnamese Government and people.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Pham Thu Hang - Photo: Provided by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs

" The recent expression of personal opinions on social media by some accounts allegedly originating from Vietnam does not represent the views of the Vietnamese Government and people. We disagree with opinions and comments that incite division, sow discord between the people of Vietnam and Cambodia, and personally attack the leaders of the two countries," Foreign Ministry spokesperson Pham Thu Hang told Tuoi Tre Online on May 23. Previously, Tuoi Tre Online had asked the Foreign Ministry for Vietnam's stance on Cambodia's request for cooperation in investigating information regarding several social media accounts, allegedly belonging to Vietnamese citizens, that allegedly used inappropriate language on the account of Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen. "Based on the good neighborly relations, traditional friendship, and comprehensive, sustainable long-term cooperation with Cambodia, the relevant agencies of both sides have taken practical and effective measures to help the people and future generations of both countries understand this relationship fully, bringing the bilateral relationship to develop even stronger, for the benefit of the people of both countries. In that spirit, we believe that Vietnam and Cambodia will continue to coordinate closely in sharing information in many fields, including the Funan Techo canal project as well as research on the transboundary impacts of the project, thereby ensuring the harmonious interests of the countries and people living along the river; and managing and using the Mekong River water resources effectively and sustainably," Ms. Hang emphasized.

What did Mr. Hun Sen say?

On May 20, on his official Facebook page, Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen stated that he had recently received many comments on TikTok allegedly from Vietnamese people that were "insulting" to him regarding the Funan Techo canal project. Hun Sen then called on Cambodian authorities to cooperate with Vietnam to identify those who insulted him, but also acknowledged that it was unclear whether these were Vietnamese citizens or Vietnamese residing abroad. The Cambodian leader also affirmed that he was not accusing anyone and wanted cooperative investigation to "prevent those who are trying to disrupt relations between the two countries." Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Sok Chenda Sophea subsequently met with Vietnamese Ambassador to Cambodia Nguyen Huy Tang on the same day, May 20, according to the Khmer Times . During the meeting, Sok Chenda Sophea proposed that the two governments cooperate in investigating the identities of those who "posted hostile content," in order to prevent any attempts to undermine the traditional friendship and goodwill between the leaders and people of the two countries. Ministry of Interior spokesperson Touch Sokhak said the ministry is studying appropriate legal procedures and cooperating with Vietnamese authorities through diplomatic channels. He also said the Cambodian Ministry of Interior has referred the case to professional investigators and requested their cooperation with Vietnam, if possible, to help identify the perpetrators. The response from the Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson on May 23rd marks the fourth time this year that Vietnam has commented on information related to the Funan Techo canal project in Cambodia. Vietnam's consistent message is that it values ​​its neighborly relations with Cambodia and supports its recent development achievements. Regarding the Funan Techo canal, Vietnam expresses concern and respects Cambodia's legitimate interests, but requests that Cambodia continue to cooperate closely with Vietnam and other countries in the Mekong River Commission to share information and assess the project's impact.

Cambodia is determined to build the Funan Techo Canal.

The Funan Techo Canal project has attracted considerable attention recently. Cambodian media have been continuously reporting on the project, with statements expressing the Cambodian leadership's determination to implement it and emphasizing that the project will benefit not only the Cambodian people but also several other countries. According to the Khmer Times, construction on the Funan Techo Canal could begin by the end of this year. The estimated cost is approximately US$1.7 billion, undertaken by a Chinese contractor, and is expected to take four years to complete. This will be a new waterway, allowing inland provinces of Cambodia to connect directly with the Gulf of Thailand.

Tuoitre.vn

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/bo-ngoai-giao-noi-ve-nhung-loi-le-kich-dong-บน-kenh-tiktok-ong-hun-sen-20240522050052786.htm