PM Stresses Government’s Need to Increase Effectiveness of Leadership Mechanism to Turn Challenges into Opportunities

Phnom Penh, November 20, 2024 --

It is really necessary for the Royal Government to increase the effectiveness of the leadership mechanism to transform challenges into opportunities, underlined Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet at a plenary session of the National Assembly (NA) this morning.

The parliamentary session, taking place here at the NA Palace under the chairmanship of NA President Samdech Maha Rathsapheathika Thipadei Khuon Sudary, unanimously approved the appointment of H.E. Prak Sokhonn, First Vice President of the Senate, as the new Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, in replacement of H.E. Sok Chenda Sophea who will remain a Deputy Prime Minister.

“The Royal Government really needs to increase and strengthen the capacity and effectiveness of the leadership mechanism in performing its work, especially in the areas of foreign affairs and international cooperation and trade, with a focus on a flexible and wise foreign policy based on independence and international law; a commitment to safeguard Cambodia's core interests, defend the independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity, protect peace and social stability, justice and prestige of Cambodia; and on continued attention to maintaining and enhancing traditional friendly relations, solidarity and multifaceted and mutually beneficial cooperation with countries and key partners in the region and beyond, as well as on continuation of a more active participation in the cause of peace, stability and in the resolution of global challenges,” he said.

Congratulating H.E. Prak Sokhonn on receiving the NA’s vote of confidence, Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet said the experience of H.E. Prak Sokhonn in the field of foreign affairs and international cooperation and the experience of H.E. Sok Chenda Sophea in the field of trade and investment will greatly increase the capacity and efficiency of the Royal Government in carrying out Cambodia’s flexible foreign and trade policies in the international arena that can turn challenges into opportunities to promote the national interests.

H.E. Prak Sokhonn has an extensive experience in diplomacy. He has held various key positions in the government and used to be ambassador to different countries before taking up the role of deputy prime minister and minister of foreign affairs and international cooperation from 2016 to 2023.