(VNF) - Deputy Foreign Minister Nguyen Quoc Dung extended his congratulations to the Cambodian government and people on their traditional Chol Chnam Thmay festival during his visit to the Cambodia Embassy in Vietnam on April 10^th.

At the meeting between Cambodian Ambassador Prak Nguon Hong and Foreign Ministry’s delegation led by Deputy Minister Nguyen Quoc Dung.

The Deputy Minister wished Cambodian Ambassador to Vietnam Prak Nguon Hong, his spouse, embassy staff and their families, as well as the Cambodian government and its people a successful and prosperous new year.

He expressed his belief that last year’s achievements in economics, politics, and culture will drive Cambodia forward, while affirming that the Vietnam-Cambodia relations continued to witness strong developments in all fields, especially in people-to-people diplomacy.

For his part, Ambassador Prak Nguon Hong expressed his sincere thanks to Deputy Minister Nguyen Quoc Dung, the Foreign Ministry, the State and the Government.

The Ambassador said he believed that Vietnam would continue to obtain more achievements in the coming time.

Vietnam’s development would bring about more favourable opportunities for Cambodia to further develop in the future, he noted.

Cambodian Ambassador to Vietnam Prak Nguon Hong (L) and Deputy Foreign Minister Nguyen Quoc Dung.

Chol Chnam Thmay, which will fall on the 14^th, 15^th and 16^th day of the fourth Lunar month this year, is one of the most important festivals of the year for the Khmer people. It usually lasts three days and is celebrated mostly in pagodas.

One of the most important practices in Chol Chnam Thmay is the Buddha bathing ceremony. Khmer people also bathe to pray for forgiveness for mistakes made in the previous year./.

Translated by Minh Chau