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.
Cambodian PM and Spouse Arrive at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh
Riyadh, October 20, 2023--Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia, and his spouse arrive safely at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on Oct. 19 night to attend the ASEAN-Gulf Cooperation Council Summit to be held on Oct. 20.
Cambodia, Laos Speak Highly of Their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership
Phnom Penh, October 19, 2023 --The Kingdom of Cambodia and the Lao People’s Democratic Republic have highly valued the achievements of their Comprehensive and Long-term Strategic Partnership established since 2019.Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet and Lao President H.E Thongloun Sisoulith made the appreciation in their meeting in Beijing, China this morning, on the sidelines of the 3rd Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation.The two leaders also agreed to continue to strengthen and expand cooperation in a number of areas, including national defence, education, energy, and exchange of visit among senior leaders.Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet expressed his support to the continuation of the “Cambodia-Laos-Vietnam Joint Trilateral Disaster Relief Exercise” organised in September 2022, and mentioned a number of initiatives related to the promotion of tourism cooperation through the launch of Cambodia-Laos-Vietnam trilateral tourism cooperation “Three Countries One Destination” and the establishment of Phnom Penh-Vientiane-Phnom Penh direct flights.For his part, H.E. Thongloun Sisoulith congratulated Samdech Thipadei on the assumption of office as the Prime Minister of Cambodia, and was convinced that under Samdech Thipadei’s leadership, the relationship between Cambodia and Laos will continue to grow.The Lao President also voiced his support to the Cambodian Premier's initiative on the trilateral tourism cooperation “Three Countries One Destination”.Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet accepted the invitation of H.E Thongloun Sisoulith to pay an official visit to Laos at an appropriate date in the future.
China expresses its readiness to continue to support the first phase pentagonal strategy of the Royal Government of Cambodia for the 7th mandate
The Chinese Communist Party has expressed its readiness to continue to support the first phase pentagonal strategy of the Royal Government of Cambodia for the seventh mandate.The position was confirmed by Mr. Cai Qi, Member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Chairman of the General Affairs Office of the CPC Central Committee, on the morning of October 17, 2023, during a meeting with Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet, Prime Minister of Cambodia, who attended the Third Belt and Road Forum" in Beijing, China.Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet thanked China’s party, government and people for their assistance for the kingdom’s socio-economic development. The Cambodian leader said that he has made two visits to China after the formation of the Royal Government of the seventh mandate in August 2023.Mr. Cai Qi welcomed the presence of Samdech Thipadei Prime Minister and the delegation of the Royal Government of Cambodia and expressed his confidence that under the leadership of Smdech Thipadei Hun Manet, the process of building a common destiny of Cambodia-China would be further strengthened and expanded. He also recalled some brilliant achievements arising from the cooperation within the framework of the initiative of the belt and roads between Cambodia and China for more than 10 years, such as the development of the Sihanoukville Special Economic Zone, the Phnom Penh-Sihanoukville Expressway, the new Siem Reap International Airport and Phnom Penh-Bavet Expressway Construction Project.
Cambodian PM Meets More Chinese Companies in Beijing
Phnom Penh, October 17, 2023 --Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet this morning held separate talks with leaders of four more Chinese companies, during his stay in Beijing, China for the 3rd Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation on Oct. 17-18.In the meeting with Mr. Wang Bo, Chairman of China Machinery Engineering Corporation (CMEC), Samdech Thipadei congratulated CMEC on the success of its investment in Cambodia, and welcomed its additional investment projects contributing to the Kingdom's development.Mr. Wang Bo said in the next ten years, CMEC, a subsidiary of SINOMACH, which specialises in clean water, energy and infrastructure, will invest in a US$3-billion joint venture with two Cambodian companies in gas energy.While receiving Mr. Tse Ping, Senior Vice Chairman of Charoen Pokphand (CP) Group, which has been investing in Cambodia on livestock farms and real estate, Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet expressed his support for the company’s intention to expand its investment in Cambodia, especially in real estate, health and satellite, and encouraged the company to work with Cambodian relevant ministries and institutions.In his courtesy visit to Cambodian Prime Minister, Mr. Li Kuo, Chairman of China Metro Group informed him on the progress of the company's study on two lightweight railway development projects connecting Siem Reap-Angkor International Airport to Siem Reap provincial city and from Techo International Airport to Phnom Penh capital. He added that his company will also study various possibilities to help ease the traffic burden in Cambodia.For his part, Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet encouraged the company to continue its study on lightweight railway development projects in the capital of Phnom Penh and the provinces of Kandal and Siem Reap, and voiced his support for the traffic-related projects that China Metro Group has been studying in Cambodia.During the meeting with Mr. Wang Jianping, Chairman of China Railway Construction Corporation (CRCC), Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet emphasised two goals for railway development in Cambodia – the feasibility study on the repair and modernisation of the existing railway lines, and the study on railway connection from Phnom Penh to Bavet and from Poipet to Siem Reap, as well as to the border with Vietnam via Stung Treng and Mondulkiri provinces.Mr. Wang Jianping told Samdech Thipadei of the progress of his company in Cambodia. To date, he added, CRCC has a total of 53 investment projects in the Kingdom with a capital of approximately US$5.3 billion. The company also plans to invest in three more major projects, including data management centre in support of e-government, Phnom Penh-Siem Reap and Phnom Penh-Poipet railway projects, and clean water supply project in provinces along the Mekong River.
Cambodia, China sign agreement on eight more documents to expand trade and investment cooperation
China: Eight important documents related to expanding trade and investment cooperation have been signed by the Royal Government of Cambodia and the Government of China.The signing ceremony was presided over by His Excellency Hun Manet, Prime Minister of Cambodia, and Li Chheang, Prime Minister of the People's Republic of China, after a bilateral meeting on the evening of October 17, 2023.The documents that signed this agreement include:1: Memorandum of Understanding on Joint Promotion of the Third Key Project for Cambodia-China Production Capacity Cooperation and Investment2: Memorandum of Understanding on the Establishment of a Working Mechanism for the Implementation of the Bilateral Cooperation Plan for the Joint Construction of the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road3: Memorandum of Understanding on Investment Cooperation in Green and Low Carbon Development4: Concessional Loan Agreement for Financing of Rural Power Transmission Project Phase 85: Exchange of Letters for Feasibility Study for Preah Vihear Temple Rehabilitation Project6: Minutes of the Meeting on Feasibility Study on the Location of Rural Road Project 3 in the Kingdom of Cambodia within the framework of Grant Funding from the Government of the People's Republic of China7: Memorandum of Understanding on the Establishment of the Cambodia-China Railway Cooperation Mechanism8. Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation in the Construction of the China-Cambodia Industrial Park between the Ministry of Commerce of the Kingdom of Cambodia and the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region Authority of the People's Republic of China.
Cambodian PM Holds Talks with Chairman of China Railway Construction Corporation
Beijing, October 17, 2023—Cambodia’s Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet (L, Pic. 1) greets Mr. Wang Jianping, Chairman of China Railway Construction Corporation, prior to their meeting in Beijing, China this morning, on the sidelines of the 3rd Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation.
Cambodia, Türkiye Aim For Two-Way Trade Goal Of US$1 Billion
Phnom Penh, October 13, 2023 --Cambodia and Türkiye aim for two-way trade goal of US$1 billion.This was the spirit of the recent talks here between H.E. SOK Chenda Sophea, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, and H.E. Ms. Ülkü Kocaefe, Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye.According to a press release of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation AKP received this morning, the two sides noted with satisfaction the cordial relations between the two countries as they prepare to celebrate the 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations next year.They expressed their readiness to jointly launch activities to commemorate this significant milestone between Cambodia and Turkiye. They also discussed ways to further strengthen the relationship and prioritise potential areas of cooperation in line with the Royal Government of Cambodia's Pentagonal Strategy - Phase 1.On economic and trade ties, the two sides expressed deep appreciation over their close cooperation. They expressed their commitment to explore possibilities to increase commercial activities to achieve a two-way trade goal of US$1 billion.H E. Ms. Kocaefe noted that Türkiye had established an office of the commercial counsellor in Cambodia to better coordinate efforts to boost bilateral trade and investment.The Deputy Prime Minister expressed his sincere gratitude to the Turkish government for its development assistance to Cambodia. The Ambassador reaffirmed her government's commitment to assist Cambodia, especially through the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA).The two sides exchanged views on cooperation in the fields of culture, tourism and education, including scholarships and training for Cambodian diplomats and students. They also discussed cooperation under multilateral frameworks.
PM And Spouse Heading Toward Beijing For Third Belt And Road Forum For International Cooperation
Phnom Penh, October 16, 2023 --A high-level Cambodian delegation led by Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei HUN Manet and his spouse is heading toward Beijing, the People's Republic of China, for the Third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation from Oct. 17 to 18, at the invitation of Chinese President H.E. XI Jinping.According to a press release of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Samdech Thipadei will deliver a keynote address on the “Digital Economy as a New Source of Growth” during the forum themed “High-quality Belt and Road Cooperation: Together for Common Development and Prosperity.”On the sidelines, it pointed out, Samdech Thipadei will hold meetings with President Xi and other Chinese leaders to discuss cooperation under bilateral and multilateral frameworks.The Cambodian Premier will also engage in separate discussions with other foreign dignitaries, the source added.Samdech Thipadei is accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister and First Vice-Chairman of the Council for the Development of Cambodia H.E. SUN Chanthol and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation H.E. SOK Chenda Sophea, along with other ministers, key government officials and business figures.“The Prime Minister's participation in the forum reaffirms Cambodia's support for the Belt and Road Initiative, underscoring its commitment to collaborating closely with China to advance high-quality cooperation for shared growth, peace and sustainable development in the region and beyond,” underlined the press release.
Brutal urban warfare awaits Israel’s army in Gaza
Israel has invaded Gaza twice in the 18 years since its withdrawal. The first instance was Operation Cast Lead, a 15-day ground invasion in January 2009. The second was Operation Protective Edge in 2014, during which the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) were on the ground for 19 days. A third ground assault is on the way in retaliation to the slaughter of Israeli civilians by Hamas, the Palestinian militant group that rules Gaza. It appears to be bigger, longer, and more violent than anything before it.Already, air strikes and artillery, as well as missiles launched from land and sea, are hammering Gaza. This is happening on a vast scale, with less consideration and forewarning than prior campaigns. According to Israeli sources, the idf is no longer using its "roof knocks" policy, in which the air force would offer warning of air strikes by first releasing a harmless round on the targeted structure. According to the Palestinian health ministry in Gaza, at least 900 Palestinians, many of them civilians, have been killed so far.
IMF Forecasts Robust US Economic Growth, But Warns Of Rising Government Debt
The 2018 World Economic Outlook from the IMF paints a positive image of the US economy, with solid growth and a healthy labor market, indicating a greater chance of a "soft landing" scenario in which inflation falls in tandem with a moderate output slowdown.However, the IMF's flagship report also issues a warning about US fiscal policy and rising government debt.The Washington-based agency emphasizes that the United States has experienced the most significant recovery among major economies, with GDP in 2023 anticipated to exceed pre-pandemic levels.According to the IMF's new projections, the United States' economic growth for 2023 is now expected to be 2.1%, a 0.3 percentage point increase from earlier July estimates. Furthermore, the IMF predicts 1.5% growth in 2024, up 0.5 percentage point from prior projections.Growth forecasts in other parts of the world have slowed, emphasizing the United States' extraordinary economic performance.Notably, the eurozone's growth prediction has been cut by 0.2 percentage point to 0.7% in 2023 and 0.3 percentage point to 1.2% in 2024. Germany is the only advanced economy anticipated to have a recession in 2023, with output expected to fall by 0.5%.Similarly, China's economic growth has been cut by 0.2 percentage point to 5% in 2023 and 0.3 percentage point to 4.2% in 2024.Unemployment Remains Under Control: The IMF's report on unemployment in the United States brings reassurance. The increase in unemployment is expected to be moderate, growing from 3.6% to 3.9% by 2025, highlighting the job market's resiliency in the future years.Inflationary Pressures in the United States: Inflationary pressures in the United States are likely to ease. According to the IMF, inflation will fall to 3% by the end of 2023 and then to 2.6% by the end of 2024.Fiscal Policy Raises Concerns: One major concern raised in the IMF study is the United States' fiscal policy posture. According to the report, fiscal conditions have deteriorated significantly. The IMF emphasizes that fiscal policy in the United States should not be procyclical, especially at this point in the inflation cycle.The budget deficit in the United States is predicted to fall just little, from 8.2% in 2023 to 7.4% in 2024 and eventually to 7% by 2028. This pattern suggests that fiscal issues will endure in the next years.Rising Government Debt: The IMF forecasts an increase in US government debt as a result of the expansionary fiscal policies.The federal government's debt is predicted to rise from 123.3% of GDP in 2023 to 126.9% in 2024, and eventually to 137.5% by 2028.Bond yields will remain higher for a longer period of time: The 10-year US government bond yield, a key indicator for investors, is expected to average 3.8% in 2023 and rise to 4.0% in 2024.The 10-year Treasury yield is currently about 4.70%. In 2023, the performance of a 10-year benchmark note as monitored by the US 10 Year Note ETF (NASDAQ:UTEN) fell by 9%.
Global economic slowdown imminent due to high debt levels, warns World Bank's chief economist
The World Bank's chief economist has issued a warning about an oncoming global economic slowdown, which would be fueled mostly by high levels of public and private debt acquired in the aftermath of the Covid epidemic. On Wednesday, the warning was issued, saying that developing countries with heavy debt, such as India, could be severely impacted.The economist was also concerned about the impact of rising US interest rates on countries that have borrowed on the foreign market. This, combined with slowing trade growth and growing global protectionist measures, might pose serious problems to the global economy. The possibility of oil crisis exacerbates these dangers.The importance of controlling inflation was underlined, particularly in emerging nations where its impacts might be more severe. Unchecked inflation, the analyst said, may hinder economic recovery efforts and lead to instability.Despite the general worries, India's strong economic management over the last decade was praised by the chief economist. He praised India's advancements in infrastructure development, technological innovation, and the effective implementation of Goods and Services Tax (GST) reforms. He did, however, criticize India's high debt-to-GDP ratio and its poor female labor force participation rate, which is less than half that of China.The economist lamented India's failure to capitalize on the "China Plus One" policy. This technique encourages enterprises to diversify their supply chains by adding another country as a trading partner alongside China, hence increasing commerce. Inability to capitalize on this opportunity may limit India's future economic progress.Finally, the World Bank's chief economist advised states to address high debt levels and efficiently manage inflation in order to reduce the likelihood of a global economic slowdown. He emphasized the importance of swift action in order to secure long-term economic recovery and prosperity.
Switzerland to Assist Cambodian Technical Training
Phnom Penh, October 11, 2023 --Switzerland has vowed to assist Cambodia in training technical skills to further develop the capacity of Cambodian youth.The commitment was made by H.E. Pedro Zwahlen, Ambassador of Switzerland to Cambodia, Thailand, and Laos, during a meeting with H.E. Heng Suor, Minister of Labour and Vocational Training, here in Phnom Penh on Oct. 9.H.E. Heng Suor recalled Switzerland's contribution to technical skill training for Cambodian trainers and trainees.The capacity development covers green technical training in the north-eastern part of Cambodia, air conditioner maintenance and repair, electrical installation for buildings, motorcycle repair, lime and brick work, and general repair.The minister spoke highly of the support since 2017 that has enabled the trained Cambodian youths to secure decent jobs through the National Employment Agency (NEA) of the Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training.The two also discussed the draft law on Technical and Vocational Education Training (TVET), whose technical details will be reviewed in the near future.
China-Supported Training and Sports Materials for Asian Youth Games 2029
Phnom Penh, October 11, 2023 --China continues to support Cambodia with long-term training and sports materials for its hosting of the 5th Asian Youth Games in 2029.The support was revealed by H.E. Vath Chamroeun, Secretary of State at the Ministry of Education, Youth, and Sports and Secretary General of the National Olympic Committee of Cambodia (NOCC) at Phnom Penh International Airport on Oct. 9 after the arrival of Cambodian sports delegation from the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, China.H.E. Vath Chamroeun continued that his committee sought support during its participation in the 19th Asian Games.The committee will select the best Cambodian athletes, including Cambodian runners, to get trained in China, said the secretary of state.So far, China has contributed to building Morodok Techo National Stadium worth over US$150 million to enable Cambodia to host international sports events, including the 32rd SEA Games and the 12th ASEAN Para Games 2023, held in May and June.China has also been supporting 160 Cambodian athletes with long-term training in 12 kinds of sports.
Cambodia, Italy Satisfied With Bilateral Relations
Phnom Penh, October 06, 2023 --Cambodia and Italy are satisfied with their growing relations and looked for ways to further strengthen and expand their cooperation.According to the Cambodian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MFAIC), on Oct. 5 at the ministry, H.E. SOK Chenda Sophea, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of MFAIC, received the courtesy call by H.E. Valentino VALENTINI, Vice Minister of Enterprises and Made in Italy.During the meeting, it pointed out, both sides noted with deep satisfaction the flourishing relations between Cambodia and Italy and discussed ways to further enhance bilateral cooperation, especially in trade and investment sectors.H.E. Valentino VALENTINI was accompanied by H.E. Paolo Dionisi, Ambassador of Italy to Cambodia, and the President of Leonardo Company.
OPINION: Should We Ban Crime Reporting By The Media?
Phnom Penh, October 05, 2023 --Recently, an eminent personality proposed that social networks and the media stop broadcasting images and reports on crimes committed. In a democracy, such proposal opens a very important debate. Because several fundamental questions are at stake: the values that circulate in society and the legacy of the recent past, the reality of violence, the responses to be made, the role of the media and social networks.There is no doubt that violence is very present in Cambodian society, and it manifests itself through criminal behavior. No one can deny this.Cambodian society today continues to be a victim of the horrors caused by the 1970-1975 war and the massive bombings and by the Pol Pot regime. It is from this perspective that we must approach the issue of violence and the crimes it generates. And this is no surprise to anyone who has studied genocides (Armenia, European Jews, Cambodia, Rwanda, former Yugoslavia, etc.) and their consequences. It is established that the trauma suffered by survivors is passed on in one way or another to their children. We don't move towards tomorrow by forgetting yesterday: most of the acts of violence can be explained by a recent and painful past.But, the causes of violence are not only born from the trauma of the horrors of the 1970s. The past, even if it weighs heavily, does not provide the only explanation for the violence that reigns today. There are at least two other explanations.The first is at the heart of a conflict within Cambodian society. On the one hand, there are the traditional values of Khmer society which are characterized by respect for the family, duties towards elders, politeness, and respect for others in social relationships. On the other hand, there are behaviors born from new aspirations for an individualistic way of life, based on money and power. It generates selfish and violent behavior. It destroys families and weakens social cohesion. Those who behave like this no longer care about the fate of others. Worse, they have become a danger to others.The second explanation is to be found in the feeling of injustice caused by the spectacle of social inequalities. A society cannot experience genuine peace when it presents the spectacle of strong social disparities. A lesson from the past that should never be forgotten is that communism was born in Cambodia from the extreme gap between the wealth of the cities and the poverty of the countryside. Today that communism has shown its horrible face, it is no longer a political choice. All that remains for the desperate is violence.The question facing Cambodian society, its elites, those who govern it, parents and teachers, the media and those who exercise influence over others is: how to reduce violence?Ignoring violence is the worst mistake to make. We must recognize the existence of criminal violence and address its causes.Dealing with violence and crime requires a strong commitment from the entire society, that is to say from parents who must never tolerate it from their children, from schools which must teach students that life is the most precious good and that all conflicts can be resolved by non-violent means, from authorities who must severely repress all crimes committed regardless of their perpetrator, but who must also disseminate a culture of peace, like Samdech Hun Sen had already proposed in 1995. Mobilizing the media and social networks to make people understand the need to resolve all conflicts peacefully is one response to criminal violence.The education system, the media and advertising agencies have a huge responsibility when it comes to disseminating values. Exalting wealth, luxury and power can only create expectations that are rarely met and therefore serious frustrations leading to tensions and criminal behavior. Highlighting solidarity between generations, respect for others, and the value of a job well done can, on the contrary, strengthen social cohesion and a peaceful society.The fight against poverty and the improvement of the standard of living of the poorest people is a way of reducing the violent rejection of inequalities. And our new Prime Minister is right to make it one of his government's priorities.There is a very strange contradiction between asking not to broadcast images of crimes committed and at the same time tolerating the waves of violence that we can see in fictions broadcast on cinema and television screens. This problem is also a matter for debate.The media must not ignore violence. They must show the scourge it represents in our society. But this is not enough. With the help of the authorities, the media must show how this violence is treated and repressed.The media also bears a responsibility in education of the people. They must help families to train young people in respect for others and the refusal of all forms of violence. But they must also relay what the authorities are doing to suppress crime. It is not enough to say that "investigations are ongoing". We must show that “le crime ne paie pas” (French expression to say that crime does not give you any advantage, because you will be caught and punished), and that Justice is doing its job.Denying violence is not the solution to decrease violence. It is not by silencing the messenger that we suppress the content of the message. We must recognize the existence of criminal violence and address its causes.
Cambodia Attends 45th ASEAN Ministers On Agriculture And Forestry Meeting
Phnom Penh, October 05, 2023 --A Cambodian delegation led by H.E. Dith Tina, Minister of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries, joined the opening ceremony of the 45th ASEAN Ministers on Agriculture and Forestry Meeting and Related Meetings on Oct. 4 in Malaysia.In the meeting, participating ASEAN ministers examined and agreed on a report on the progress of the implementation of the policy framework on food, agriculture, and ASEAN forestry cooperation.They also reviewed the collaboration in various sectors with dialogue partners, international organisations, and concerned institutions.The meeting approved a strategic guideline and technical documents and issued a joint statement with a renewed commitment to foster partnerships to achieve sustainable food security, agriculture, and forestry in the region.
Cambodia and Pakistan to Build More Cooperation
Phnom Penh, October 04, 2023 --Cambodia and Pakistan will further enhance their cooperation in different fields, especially on trade, agriculture, diplomacy, and national defence.The commitment was highlighted when Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia, received H.E. Zaheeruddin Babar Thaheem, Ambassador of Pakistan to Cambodia, here at the Peace Palace this morning.In the courtesy meeting, H.E. Zaheeruddin Babar Thaheem expressed his hope that the Cambodian-Pakistani cooperation will be further expanded, especially on trade and agriculture.The Pakistani ambassador took the opportunity to cordially invite Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet to pay an official visit to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and requested the creation of the Royal Embassy of Cambodia there to facilitate various mechanisms, especially to serve trade and people-to-people connectivity.In response, Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet agreed with the proposal to establish an embassy in the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, in line with what Samdech Techo Hun Sen, former Prime Minister of Cambodia, had previously agreed to.In the meeting, Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet and H.E. Zaheeruddin Babar Thaheem also exchanged views on other fields of cooperation, including the national defence sector.
Vietnam Reaffirms Support for Ministry of Interior
Phnom Penh, October 04, 2023 --The Vietnamese Ministry of Police has pledged to foster cooperation with the Ministry of Interior, particularly on good governance and road safety.The reaffirmation was made by Brigadier General Le Van Phuong, Chief of the Representative Office of the Vietnamese Ministry of Public Security in Cambodia, in a meeting with Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior H.E. Sar Sokha here in Phnom Penh on Oct. 2.Brigadier General Le Van Phuong was also committed to further strengthening cooperation with relevant units under the Ministry of the Interior of Cambodia.H.E. Sar Sokha welcomed and supported all cooperation between the two countries as sovereign states and members of ASEAN.He took this opportunity to send his best wishes to Lt. Gen. To Lam, Minister of Public Security of Vietnam, and the ministry’s leadership.He also shared his condolences with the Vietnamese government and people for the recent fire in a condominium in Hanoi that left many dead and injured.
Agriculture Minister Discusses Cooperation with Russia
Phnom Penh, September 27, 2023 --H.E. Dith Tina, Minister of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries, received H.E. Anatoly Borovik, Ambassador of the Russian Federation to Cambodia, to discuss agriculture trade and the memorial service on Sept. 26 at the ministry.On trade, the minister welcomed the import of agricultural fertilisers from Russia and the export of Cambodian agricultural products to the Russian market.They also discuss a joint memorial service for eight Russian agricultural experts who lost their lives in Kampong Cham province on Aug. 23, 1983.A memorial for the experts will also be constructed, and its location is yet to be decided.