Samdech Thipadei Prime Minister Meets President/CEO of Toyota Tsusho Corporation
Tokyo, December 19, 2023—Cambodia’s Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet (R, Pic. 1) poses for a photo with Mr. Ichiro Kashitani, President and CEO of Toyota Tsusho Corporation, prior to a courtesy meeting in Tokyo this morning, on the sidelines of the ASEAN-Japan Commemorative Summit for the 50th Year ASEAN-Japan Friendship and Cooperation.
A Japanese Company Plans to Build a Khmer Village in Japan
Phnom Penh, December 18, 2023 --A Japanese firm is planning to establish a Khmer village in Kanagawa Prefecture to increase awareness about the Cambodian culture and traditions in Japan, aimed at promoting closer relations between the people of the two countries.The plan was revealed by Mr. Kojima Masanobu, CEO of Kojima Holdings Co., Ltd., during his courtesy visit to Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet in Tokyo this morning, on the sidelines of the ASEAN-Japan Commemorative Summit for the 50th Year ASEAN-Japan Friendship and Cooperation.Mr. Kojima Masanobu also briefed the Cambodian Premier on the progress of his company in training and recruiting Cambodian interns to work in Japan.According to the CEO of Kojima Holdings Co., Ltd., the company has opened a Cambodian private business centre in Kanagawa Prefecture, which is an important place to provide information related to trade and investment in Cambodia, as well as to promote Cambodian products and food, cultural exchange, human resource training and business coordination.Besides, Mr. Kojima Masanobu also informed about his company’s project to expand its investment in Cambodia, especially in the field of agriculture for export and the plan to establish a Cambodian village in Kanagawa Prefecture.In response, Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet thanked the company for investing in Cambodia and for contributing to training and sending Cambodian interns to work in Japan through the Cambodian Ministries of Labour and Vocational Training, and Commerce for the current and long-term benefits of Cambodia.Samdech Thipadei Prime Minister also mentioned that the immediate benefit is job creation that provides income and reduces poverty, while the long-term benefit is that Cambodian interns will become human resources with experience and specific skills for Cambodia in the future.
NBC Governor Attends 2023 MOEF-BOK-FSC-IMF International Conference in Seoul
Phnom Penh, December 18, 2023 --Governor of the National Bank of Cambodia (NBC) H.E. Ms. Chea Serey attended the 2023 MOEF-BOK-FSC-IMF International Conference, held late last week in Seoul, the Republic of Korea under the theme “Digital Money: Navigating a Changing Financial Landscape.”Addressing the event, H.E. Ms. Chea Serey shared her perspective on digital money provided that Cambodia has already launched the Bakong system which can be considered as one form of digital money with many features similar to that of the Central Bank Digital Currency.ccording to the NBC, digital money has become a global topic in recent years given its potential benefits that can boost productivity and improve economic outcomes in particular it can improve efficiency, lower costs, and enhance financial inclusion.However, it added, digital money also brings about some concerns on financial stability and stronger consumer protection. The conference gathered strong mind and talents of policy makers and academia around the globe to share experiences and discuss on major policy dilemma surrounding digital money.
Cambodian and Vietnamese PMs Witness a Signing Ceremony of Three Cooperation MoUs
Hanoi, December 11, 2023—ambodia’s Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet (L, Pic. 1) and his Vietnamese counterpart H.E. Pham Minh Chinh preside over the signing ceremony of three cooperation Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) between the two countries in Hanoi, the Socialist Republic of Vietnam this noon time.
Australia and ASEAN Collaborate in Stopping Human Trafficking
Phnom Penh, December 05, 2023 --Australia and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) have worked together to stop people trafficking.The year 2023 is an important milestone for ASEAN and Australia which marks 20 years of partnership combatting trafficking in persons.“We are continuing this support through our ASEAN-Australia Counter Trafficking programme (ASEAN-ACT) – a 10-year (2018-2028) A$80 million investment,” the Australian Embassy in Cambodia said in a news release this afternoon.“Our partners from Cambodia reflect on the significance of this important milestone and the value of Australia’s support,” it added.At the ASEAN–Australia Special Summit in March 2018, Australia’s Foreign Minister announced a 10 year, A$80 million commitment to continue Australia’s long-running collaboration with ASEAN to end trafficking in persons in the region.ASEAN-ACT builds on Australia’s 20-year history of supporting ASEAN and its Member States’ justice systems to effectively respond to trafficking in persons.
Cambodian Top Diplomat to Participate in 8th Mekong-Lancang Cooperation Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Beijing
Phnom Penh, December 04, 2023 --H.E. SOK Chenda Sophea, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Kingdom of Cambodia, will attend the Eighth Mekong-Lancang Cooperation (MLC) Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Beijing on Dec. 7.The participation will be made at the invitation of H.E. WANG Yi, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China, according to the Cambodian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.The meeting, under the theme to Jointly Strive for Modernisation and Cultivate New Strengths in Subregional Development is an opportunity for MLC foreign ministers to discuss comprehensively the group's Five-Year Plan of Action for 2023 to 2027 and initiatives to strengthen cooperation and mutual support between the six Mekong countries in the spirit of promoting socio-economic development at a time of global uncertainty, the source pointed out.H.E. Deputy Prime Minister is expected to have bilateral talks with other foreign ministers to further strengthen ties and cooperation within the MLC framework for the sustainable development of the region and beyond, concluded the press release AKP received this evening.
EU Provides Funds for Cambodian Government to Support Reform of Fisheries Sector
Phnom Penh, December 04, 2023 --The European Union (EU) has pledged to provide EUR 6.375 million (around US$7 million) grants to Cambodia to support reforms of its fisheries sector.The information was shared by EU Ambassador to Cambodia, H.E. Igor Driesmans, in a meeting here on Dec. 4 with H.E. Dith Tina, Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, during which they discussed a wide range of issues in a constructive manner including sustainable agriculture and fisheries.The grants will be used to support key areas of the fisheries reform, such as monitoring, control and surveillance, flooded forest protection, conservation of marine fisheries, transfer of grants to community fisheries, research and food safety.“Our partnership on fisheries sector is large and strong, despites the immense challenges. We are keen and ready to support further the progress in the important field of agri-food safety in order to improve the quality of products produced by the private sector and consumed by Cambodians in the country, as well as support Cambodian processing establishments to meet regional and international markets’ demands. This could offer new market opportunities for Cambodia’s products and create jobs,” said H.E. Igor Driesmans.Agriculture sector including fisheries and forestry are facing global challenges that continue to require strong partnership with all stakeholders – including the EU – to mitigate and adapt to its negative impacts and transform constraints into opportunities, said H.E. Dith Tina.As for fisheries sector, the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries is fully committed to supporting sustainable fisheries development in both inland and marine areas, through the whole value chain for the benefit of our fishermen, aquaculture farmers and entrepreneurs, as well as consumers, he underlined.“We are committed to the protection and conservation of our aquatic habitats and resources,” said the MAFF minister.Launched in 2019 as the most important programme ever for the EU to support the fisheries sector in a partner country and in Cambodia, CAPFISH Programme (EUR 112 million) is implemented by the Fisheries Administration attached to the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, supporting all pillars of the current national strategy in fisheries until 2025.
The Taste of Angkor Wins Best Television Awards in the World
Phnom Penh, December 01, 2023 --"The Taste of Angkor", a cookbook published by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAFIC) as part of its culinary diplomacy, has won the Best Television Awards in this year's World of Gourmand World Cookbook Awards.The event was held on Nov. 27-29 in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, in conjunction with the Saudi Feast Food Festival, said the MFAIC in a press release AKP received this morning.In 2021 and 2022, the book won the Best Asian Cuisine Book and the Best Heads of State/Food from Gourmand World Cookbook Awards.“This year's award reflects the Ministry's policy of promoting authentic Cambodian foods. It is a source of pride for efforts to get the world to appreciate the great legacy of a thousand-year-old culinary heritage,” the ministry underlined.According to the MFAIC, the Best Television Awards for 2023 went to cooking videos of seven dishes and two desserts from "The Taste of Angkor. The ministry's National Institute of Diplomacy and International Relations produced the videos during culinary diplomacy training for Cambodian diplomats and their spouses. The training aims to help diplomatic missions abroad understand Cambodian cuisine, how to cook authentic foods, explain their history and promote Khmer foods and culture to attract foreign tourists and investment, and expand exports of Cambodian agricultural products.Culinary diplomacy is a cornerstone of the Ministry's Economic Diplomacy Strategy launched in 2021. The strategy aims to enhance Cambodia's international standing and contribute to achieving the Royal Government's vision of becoming an upper-middle-income country by 2030 and a high-income nation by 2050.Gourmand World Cookbook Awards was founded in 1995 by Edouard Cointreau with the goal of supporting culinary traditions from around the world.
U.S. Committed to Encouraging More Tourists to Cambodia
Phnom Penh, November 23, 2023 --The United States of America is committed to attracting more tourists from the country to visit Cambodia.The commitment was made by H.E. W. Patrick Murphy, U.S. Ambassador to Cambodia, during his meeting here on Nov. 22 with H.E. Vongsey Vissoth, Permanent Deputy Prime Minister and Minister in Charge of the Office of the Council of Ministers.The U.S. will also contribute to the preservation and development of Cambodia's tradition and culture, especially the continuation of coordination on the return of Khmer ancient artefacts to Cambodia, continued H.E. W. Patrick Murphy.H.E. Vongsey Vissoth highly valued the bilateral collaboration between the two countries and looked forward to enhanced Cambodia-U.S. relations for the benefit of both peoples and countries.The two sides also discussed more cooperation in education, economy, agriculture, environment, and the fight against human and illicit drug trafficking and transnational crimes.
USAID Announces New Project for Enhancing Quality of Healthcare Across Cambodia
Phnom Penh, November 23, 2023 --The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) announces the award of its new, five-year Enhancing Quality of Healthcare Activity II (EQHA II) to continue supporting efforts to improve the quality of public and private health services for all Cambodians.According to a USAID’s press release, EQHA II builds on significant success achieved under USAID’s flagship, five-year EQHA I project from 2018 to 2023 in furthering national systems for improved licensing and accreditation, leading to improved accountability of providers in the provision of healthcare across Cambodia.USAID’s US$35 million EQHA II project will be implemented by FHI 360, an international organisation that has partnered with Cambodia and USAID/Cambodia for over 25 years. USAID’s support through EQHA II will, in coordination with the Ministry of Health, support Cambodia to catalyse and accelerate systems for assuring, monitoring, and increasing quality standards across the national health system, the same source added.It will also help Cambodia to accelerate and sustain progress against priority public health challenges including reducing the incidence of infectious diseases such as HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis, reducing deaths among mothers and children, improving reproductive health, and strengthening preparedness and response to emerging disease threats, it said.“By supporting Cambodia’s health system, including both public and private healthcare providers, to improve the quality of healthcare, USAID is continuing to deliver on our longstanding commitment to the Cambodian people,” explained USAID Mission Director Kerry Pelzman. “This work is critical to enabling Cambodia to sustain impressive gains in public health achieved over the past decade.”Key areas of focus include augmenting service integration to increase efficiency and effectiveness, advancing regulation and accreditation systems, and bolstering the health system’s institutional capacity to address emerging national health priorities. This comprehensive approach ensures a robust response to Cambodia’s evolving health needs.
China approves $69bn US technology merger
With the completion of its $69 billion (£55 billion) acquisition of cloud computing company VMware, computer chipmaker Broadcom has closed one of the largest takeovers in the technology industry.International regulators examined the deal before China gave its final approval.There were worries that the US-China tensions would have an impact on it.The approval comes after Presidents Xi Jinping and Joe Biden met last week at the Apec summit in the US.Based in San Jose, California, Broadcom is an American corporation that creates, develops, and manufactures semiconductor chips in addition to providing infrastructure software solutions.Another American business, VMware, is based in Palo Alto, California. It creates virtualization software that enables users to operate virtual computers on real computers to boost productivity.Hock Tan, the president and CEO of Broadcom, expressed excitement about uniting their teams to create "the world's leading infrastructure technology company".By working together, they intend to develop hybrid and private cloud environments that enable customers to run "apps anywhere".The firm has applied for and been granted legal merger clearances in Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, the UK, the European Union, Israel, Japan, South Africa, South Korea, Taiwan, and the United States in order to finalize the deal.According to the firm, shares of VMware will no longer be traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE).Since 2018, when US President Donald Trump put tariffs and other trade obstacles on China, the US and China have been embroiled in a trade war.The newest popular commodity is advanced chips, which are utilized in anything from fighter jets to automobiles and cellphones.China retaliated last month over the Biden administration's move to place additional export restrictions.However, the two leaders that convened at the Apec summit were able to reach a consensus on other matters, such as cooperating to combat climate change and restarting military contact.President Xi was described as "a dictator" by President Biden, but China's state-run media celebrated the summit as "historic" and said it would be a "new starting point" for their relationship.Tensions between the two largest economies in the world have affected Broadcom.The company revealed plans in 2017 to acquire rival Qualcomm in what would have been the biggest buyout deal ever.However, after US national security experts warned that a pact could help China overtake America in the race to build 5G technology, Mr. Trump stopped it four months later.A few weeks later, Broadcom made the decision to relocate from Singapore to the US.
A Large Cruise Ship Brings Over 2,000 International Tourists to Sihanoukville
Phnom Penh, November 18, 2023--A large foreign cruise ship, Aida Bella, docked at the Sihanoukville Autonomous Port of Cambodia on Nov. 17, bringing over 2,000 multi-national tourists on a two-day tour of the coastal city.Aida Bella -- with 230 metres long, 32 metres wide, and 7.3 metres deep -- departed from Singapore for the Sihanoukville Autonomous Port before leaving for Vietnam.The cruise ship carried 2,005 tourists, 1,048 of whom are female, from 25 different nationalities, and a total of 631 crew members.At Sihanoukville, the visitors visited markets and pagodas in the city, as well as other cultural and natural tourist sites.Sihanoukville port on Nov. 4 also welcomed the docking of a foreign cruise ship carrying nearly 1,000 visitors for a two-day visit.
China ready to be 'partner and friend' of US: Xi
President Xi Jinping told US business executives on Wednesday that China is "ready to be a partner and friend of the United States," despite growing concerns about the nation's weakening economy."This will only lead to wrong policymaking, misguided actions, and unwanted results," he said at a dinner on the fringes of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) conference, if one nation views the other as its primary rival and the most significant geopolitical issue.After meeting for the first time in a year and promising to ease tensions, US President Joe Biden and Chinese Premier Xi made their much anticipated remarks in San Francisco hours later.Following discussions at the opulent Filoli Estate, the two sides announced a number of agreements, the first of which was the reopening of a high-level military hotline."More roads and bridges should be built for people-to-people interactions," Xi declared to a group of about 400 academics, government representatives, and business executives."We must not create various obstacles or create a chilling effect," he stated.A guest list obtained by AFP included Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla, BlackRock CEO Laurence Fink, and Apple CEO Tim Cook.With concerns about China's stricter business regulations and bilateral tensions, attention was keenly focused on Xi's remarks at the event hosted by the US-China Business Council and National Committee on US-China Relations.According to US and European company groups, foreign business trust in China reached a record low in September, with US companies seeking to reroute their investments outside."Open for business"According to Lindsay Gorman, senior fellow at the US-based German Marshall Fund, "Xi is interested in signaling that China remains open for business despite geopolitical tensions -- especially around the high tech industries."Even if some US companies might be keen to ease tensions, she told AFP that "there is a lot more skepticism" from them now than there was ten years ago.During US Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo's visit to China this year, Thibault Denamiel, an associate fellow at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), observed that Chinese tech firm Huawei had unannounced a new smartphone that involved cutting-edge 7 nanometer technology.According to him, Chinese authorities seem to be pushing foreign enterprises to continue arriving while also conveying the idea that they can withstand geopolitical challenges like US chip bans.In addition to announcing on Wednesday that Beijing was prepared to expand collaboration on panda conservation—though no more animal loans were pledged—Xi also stated that China aims to bring 50,000 American youth to the nation for study and exchange programs over the next five years.The Chinese leader said he would welcome visits from local leaders and members of Congress after meeting California Governor Gavin Newsom recently.However, Mike Gallagher, a Wisconsin Republican who chairs the bipartisan House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party, took aim at the presence of prominent US business leaders at the summit, serving as a reminder of the still fragile condition of US-China relations.He said in a letter this week that, in light of accusations that the Communist Party has been involved in a "genocide" against people in China's northwest Xinjiang region, it is "unconscionable" for US firms to pay thousands for a welcome meal hosted by the party.Executives "must recognize that the reality of doing business in China today includes the increased risk of arbitrary detentions, exit bans, and raids by the Chinese intelligence services," Gallagher continued, advising companies to lower the risks they encounter.
Saudi Arabia to Foster Educational Cooperation with Cambodia
Phnom Penh, November 15, 2023 --Saudi Arabia is committed to fostering bilateral education cooperation with Cambodia.The commitment was made by H.E. Mohammed Ismaeil A. Dahlwy, Hanoi-based Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to Cambodia, during his meeting with H.E. Dr. Hang Chuon Naron, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Education, Youth, and Sports here in Phnom Penh on Nov. 13.H.E. Mohammed Ismaeil A. Dahlwy informed H.E. Dr. Hang Chuon Naron about the Government of Saudi Arabia’s project to expand scholarships for Cambodian students.The Saudi Arabian ambassador spoke highly of the intimate relations and good collaboration between the two Kingdoms and pledged to further promote their ties during his diplomatic mission in Cambodia.H.E. Dr. Hang Chuon Naron thanked the Government of Saudi Arabia for its cooperation and significant contribution to Cambodia’s human resources development.He looked forward to strengthening and expanding the cooperation with Saudi Arabia in order to further advance Cambodia's education development.
France Supports Cambodia’s Candidacy for the Host of 2026 Francophonie Summit
Phnom Penh, November 14, 2023 --France has expressed its support and encouragement for Cambodia to host the Francophonie Summit in 2026.The pledge was made by H.E. Emmanuel MACRON, President of the French Republic, in the official talks at the Élysée Presidential Palace in Paris on Nov. 13 with His Majesty Preah Bat Samdech Preah Boromneath NORODOM Sihamoni, King of Cambodia.For his part, His Majesty the King underlined Cambodia's pride to host of the 2026 Francophonie Summit and appreciated France for its support which would reflect its willingness to strengthen its important presence in Asia.The Cambodian monarch also thanked France for its key role in continuing the intergovernmental mechanism on the preservation of the Angkor site for another 10 years (2023-2032), and expressed high expectations for the study, restoration and expansion project of the National Museum by French experts; the cooperation between the National Museum and the Guimet Museum; and the restoration of a bronze statue of Vishnu, as well as the exhibitions of Khmer artifacts in France and different museums.H.E. Emmanuel Macron took the opportunity to invite His Majesty the King to attend the 19th Francophonie Summit in Paris on Oct. 4-5, 2024. His Majesty the King invited the French President and his spouse to attend the 20th Francophonie Summit in 2026 in Cambodia, while H.E. President expressed his pleasure to accept the invitation.The Francophonie Summit is the highest authority in the Francophonie. It is held every two years and gathers the heads of State/Governments of all member states.Currently, the International Organisation of La Francophonie comprises 88 member states and governments (54 full members, 7 associate members and 27 observer members).His Majesty King Norodom Sihamoni has been on a week-long visit in France since Nov. 12. While staying there, the Cambodian monarch will grace the Fourth Inter-Governmental Conference for the Safeguarding and Development of Angkor during the 42nd Session of the General Conference of UNESCO on Nov. 15.
China stands for justice over Middle East conflict
Phnom Penh, November 08, 2023 -Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said at a press conference that Beijing has always stood for peace and justice in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.He said in response to a request from Tass for commenting on the EU's call for China to influence Hamas and Iran to avoid escalating tensions in the Middle East, "In the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, China has always stood for peace and justice. "We have maintained close contact with stakeholders.""We are working hard to stop the fires and explosions," Wang said. "We call for the restoration of peace."He stressed that countries outside the Middle East, especially superpowers, should be purposeful and impartial and play a constructive role in easing tensions.In the Middle East, China favored the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with full sovereignty on the 1967 border with East Jerusalem as its capital.China should use its influence over Hamas and Iran to avoid escalating tensions in the Middle East, EU Commission President Usula von de Leyen said at a meeting of EU diplomats on Monday.
Low-interest loans for Thai nationals returning home from the Hamas-Israel war
Each Thai worker who returned from Israel as a result of the Hamas-Israel war will be eligible for low-interest loans from the government of up to 150,000 baht. With the money, they can pay off debts to employment brokers or use it to explore other career opportunities.The cabinet had directed the Government Savings Bank (GSB) and the Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives (BAAC) to lend two billion baht to Thai workers in Israel when the conflict broke out on October 7, according to Paopoom Rojanasakul, secretary to the finance minister.Before moving to work in Israel, people who were independent contractors or vendors may apply to the GSB for loans up to 150,000 baht each, while those who were farmers in the past may borrow the same amount from the BAAC, according to Mr. Paopoom.He claimed that because of the war, several Thai laborers were forced to return home before finishing their contracts, and they were left with insufficient funds to settle their bills or explore other opportunities.He said that some chose to stay in Israel because they were worried that if they had gone home, they would not have made enough money to settle their obligations.According to Mr. Paopoom, the low-interest loan program was therefore approved by the cabinet to lessen their situation.The terms of the loan allow for a grace period of up to 12 months and a payback period of up to 20 years, according to government spokesman Chai Wacharonke.According to him, workers can apply for the loan between now and June 30. It has an annual interest rate of 3%, of which borrowers will pay 1% and the government would subsidize the remaining amount.In addition to the 15,000 baht that Thai returnees have already received from the Labour Ministry's fund for Thai workers abroad, Mr. Chai continued, "Labour Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn also proposed at yesterday's cabinet meeting that Thai returnees be given another 50,000 baht in compensation from the central budget earmarked for emergency purposes.""The minister also recommended that 5,000–6,000 workers who returned in the early phases of the war receive the 50,000-baht compensation," Mr. Chai stated."More details must be presented by the Labour Ministry, and the prime minister pledged to discuss this at the next cabinet meeting."To discuss assistance for Thais kidnapped by Hamas, Foreign Affairs Minister Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara started his trip to Qatar and Egypt yesterday.Later on yesterday, he was scheduled to meet with the foreign minister and prime minister of Qatar in Doha, and today he was scheduled to meet with the foreign minister of Egypt in Cairo.According to Mr. Parnpree, "the Thai government is opening all possible negotiation channels to coordinate with Hamas and seek the release of the [Thai] hostages as soon as possible."It was revealed on Monday by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin that 22 Thais were being kept captive. None of the others could be reached.Mr. Parnpree reiterated, "It is imperative that all Thai nationals residing in Israel return home as soon as possible."
U.S. Pledges Continued Support for Cambodia Labour Promotion
Phnom Penh, October 27, 2023 --U.S has pledged to continue supporting Cambodia in promoting labour, vocational training, and social security sectors.The commitment was made by H.E. Patrick Murphy, U.S. Ambassador to Cambodia, in a meeting with H.E. Heng Sour, Minister of Labour and Vocational Training, here in Phnom Penh on Oct. 25.H.E. Heng Suor informed H.E. Patrick Murphy of the ministry's vision to achieve a better job condition and to harmonise employer-employee relations for mutual interest.The minister underlined the ministry's priority programmes, especially the vocational training programme for 1.5 million young people from poor and vulnerable families.The programme provides Cambodian youth with market-oriented skills so that they can secure decent jobs.The Royal Government of Cambodia also plans to provide workers with free health care through its social security programme, he added.H.E. Patrick Murphy spoke highly of the ministry's policy and vision on the promotion of labour, vocational training, and social security sectors.
Cambodia Agrees to Pull Out Her UN’s Blue Beret Troops from Mali
Phnom Penh, October 25, 2023 --Cambodia agreed to pull out her peace-keeping troops together with other international forces under the United Nations umbrella from Mali, being intensified by armed conflict between Malian army and rebel group.Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet, Prime Minister of Cambodia, said he has given a notification of agreement on the UN’s peace keeping troops’ withdrawal from Mali.“A few days ago, I has given my consent to withdraw nearly 100 of Cambodian Blue Beret troops from Mali, as the United Nations had begun withdrawing them. Even the UN troops were being attacked,” he said at a get-together with over 12,000 garment employees and workers in Kampong Cham province this morning.In July this year, the United Nations Security Council Members reiterated strong support for the full withdrawal of the decade-old UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali, and the transfer of security responsibilities to the country’s transitional government, which has been in power since a coup in 2021, according to UBy the terms of the adopted resolution, UN will completely pull out from Mali by January 1, 2024.
OPINION: A Paris Agreement That Failed to Bring Peace
Phnom Penh, October 23, 2023 --32 years ago, on October 23, 1991, three agreements were signed in Paris, officially called “Agreements for a comprehensive political settlement of the Cambodian conflict”. Some, who recall this event, refer to the “Paris Peace Agreement”. Others do not hesitate to assert that these agreements and the United Nations mission responsible for applying them brought peace to Cambodia.Nothing could be further from the truth, and Cambodians know this better than anyone. Although the Paris Agreements and the United Nations mission were a major event in Cambodia's recent history, because they enabled the repatriation of 372,000 refugees, because they enabled the election of a Constituent Assembly and the establishment of a parliamentary monarchy, and because they allowed Cambodia to rejoin the international community from which it had been unjustly expelled in 1979, when the UN left in September 1994, peace did not reign in Cambodia.Need we to remind that, at the last press conference of the UN mission, UNTAC spokesman Eric Falt was forced to admit that "on average, the Khmer Rouge blew up a bridge every day". Need we to remind that on behalf of Pol Pot's movement, his representative in Phnom Penh, Khieu Samphan, officially declared on 8 July 1992 that his faction was withdrawing from the peace process?If we reread the Paris Agreements, we see that the provisions relating to pacification, considered to be the main objective of these agreements, occupy the most space in the texts. B. Boutros-Ghali, the UN Secretary-General, declared when, on 28 February 1992, the Agreements were ratified by the UN Security Council that "the achievement of this objective is a prerequisite for the proper implementation of the Agreement".If we reread the many pages of Annex 2 of the Agreements devoted to the entire pacification process, we see that "a ceasefire had to be obtained, followed by the regrouping and cantonment of the military forces involved, the storage of their weapons and munitions and the demobilization of the soldiers of the four factions". None of this was achieved because Pol Pot's movement reneged on its signature, provoking a fundamental change in circumstances that called into question the commitments of the other parties.And the UN offered the spectacle of its impotence when the cars carrying the UN Secretary-General's highest representative in Cambodia and the general commanding the 16,000 blue helmets of UNTAC's military and police component were stopped by a simple bamboo barrier guarded by a Khmer Rouge soldier wearing rubber sandals. What went down in the history of UNTAC as the "bamboo barrier incident" illustrated the lack of determination of UN leadership, who were more inclined to practice a "diplomacy of patience", the results of which are known every time they bow down to the totalitarian fanatism.The war continued. With its trail of suffering and destruction. For 5 more years. With a third of the country's territory escaping the sovereign authorities. And relations with a movement responsible for the deaths of more than two million Cambodians, a genocide that the Paris Accords had ignored, deeply disturbed the first legislature that followed the approval of the Constitution.We must wonder about the reasons that motivate those who tirelessly repeat that “the Paris Agreements and the UN brought peace to Cambodia” when the facts themselves provide the most complete denial of this assertion.The reason is simple: they want to deny the historical role of Samdech Hun Sen, the sole architect of the pacification of Cambodia. With the win-win policy that he implemented, at the end of December 1998, peace finally reigns throughout the country. It is unbearable for some to recognize that Samdech Hun Sen achieved what neither the Vietnamese, nor the UN, nor HM Norodom Sihanouk have been able to achieve.So, they want to ignore this achievement and repeat all the time that peace is the result of the Paris Agreements.In this temptation of negation, they even go so far as to attribute to the Paris Agreements the tremendous development of the country which is the admiration of all independent observers and competent international institutions. As if this development had started in 1993, when it was only the peace that came in 1998 that made investors and tourists want to come to Cambodia.Denying the facts, rewriting history, these are the methods used by those who have decided that nothing good can happen in Cambodia if it is not to them that it can be attributed. Sad and pitiful intellectual and moral poverty.