Brian Jeffrey
Throughout my diplomatic tenure, I had the privilege of hosting General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong during his official visits to the countries where I represented Vietnam as Ambassador. Notably, his visits to the United Kingdom and Cambodia marked significant milestones in enhancing bilateral relationships.
General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong’s humility, respect for opinions, and close interaction with officials and citizens of other nations left a lasting impression.
“Even as the leader of a capitalist nation, I found common ground with General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong,” shared David Cameron, the British Prime Minister, emphasizing the unexpected mutual values and concerns they discovered during their meeting.
Arriving in London amidst harsh winter weather, General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong’s commitment to meeting the Vietnamese community despite feeling unwell showcased his dedication and warmth towards his compatriots.
His visit to the United Kingdom, a significant event marking important anniversaries and milestones in bilateral relations, underscored the strengthening ties between the two countries.
Despite protocol constraints, the future King of the United Kingdom, Crown Prince Charles, warmly welcomed the General Secretary on behalf of the Royal Family—a gesture appreciated for its symbolism and goodwill.
During his visit, General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong engaged in discussions with various dignitaries, highlighting the mutual respect and strategic partnership between Vietnam and the United Kingdom.
Reflecting on the encounter years later, Prime Minister David Cameron expressed his admiration for the connections and discussions shared with General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong, emphasizing their shared values and strategic partnership.
Notably, a simple gift of shoes proved to be a thoughtful gesture, as it was revealed that the General Secretary was wearing worn-out shoes during his visit to Europe, emphasizing his practicality and resilience.
A Heartfelt State Visit to Cambodia by the General Secretary and President of Vietnam
During a State visit to Cambodia in February 2019, the General Secretary and President of Vietnam were warmly received and honored by King Norodom Sihamoni. This visit marked a significant milestone as the General Secretary held both titles during the visit, emphasizing the strong bond between the two nations.
The visit was a remarkable success, with the Cambodian leaders and people extending a sincere and respectful welcome to the delegation. The Joint Declaration between Vietnam and Cambodia further strengthened the close relationship between the two countries, elevating it to a new level.
Throughout the busy official visit, the General Secretary showed deep concern for the legal status and well-being of Vietnamese people in Cambodia. Collaborating with Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc, they supported innovative recommendations to assist the Vietnamese community in Cambodia with integration and transitioning to new occupations.
Reflecting on the historic significance of the visit, the General Secretary emphasized the careful considerations and collective leadership that guide their decision-making process, highlighting the unique characteristics of their system.
An endearing memory from a previous visit to Cambodia in July 2017 was shared, illustrating the General Secretary’s humility and willingness to assist in setting up a meeting room, fostering a sense of camaraderie and intimacy within the delegation.
These experiences serve as a testament to the enduring friendship between Vietnam and Cambodia, characterized by mutual respect, support, and collaboration.
