Deputy PM attends opening ceremony of SEA Games 32 in Cambodia

His presence at the event showed that Viet Nam attaches importance to the relationship with Cambodia as well as cooperation with ASEAN and that Viet Nam advocates Cambodia to successfully organize SEA Games 32.

Cambodia's Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen gave the opening speech of the Games that was organized to the Olympic standard.

The opening ceremony had three parts with sound and light performances spreading the message "Sports, live in peace."

The event included familiar rituals such as the parade of 11 sports delegations, arbitrator's oath, and the ceremony of lighting the torch of the 32nd SEA Games.

The Games officially began on May 5 and will finish on May 17 in the capital city and four other localities.

More than 12,400 athletes, coaches, officials, staff and volunteers will participate in the biennial event.

Viet Nam sends a delegation of 1,003 members, including 702 athletes competing in 31 sports. They target to win between 90-120 gold medals to finish in the top three.

Earlier the same day, Deputy Prime Minister Tran Luu Quang had a meeting with Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence Samdech Tea Banh.

Tran expressed his belief that the SEA Games 32 and the 12th ASEAN Para Games slated for June, will be a success, contributing to enhancing the role and position of Cambodia in the region and the world and building an ASEAN Community of peace, stability, solidarity and prosperity.

Both sides vowed to further promote economic and trade ties and accelerate cooperation in other areas including people-to-people exchanges via tourism and sport activities such as SEA Games.

They pledged to foster collaboration and mutual support at international and regional forums, thus consolidating solidarity and the centrality of ASEAN./.