Japan’s 2024 Spring Conferment Of Decoration Bestowed Upon Cambodian Senior Official
Phnom Penh, April 29, 2024–H.E. Dr. Om Romny, Secretary of State at the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports, and Former Director of the Institute of Technology of Cambodia and Honorary Director, will obtain the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Neck Ribbon of Japan.The good news was shared by the Embassy of Japan in Phnom Penh in a press release made public this morning.According to the source, on April 29, the Cabinet Office of the Government of Japan announced the recipients of the 2024 Spring Conferment of Decorations to be bestowed upon individuals of merit in recognition of their national or public services, and in honour of their distinguished accomplishments in various areas in society.The decoration will be conferred upon H.E. Dr. Om Romny in recognition of his contribution to promotion of academic exchanges and mutual understanding between Japan and the Kingdom of Cambodia, it pointed out.An awarding ceremony will be organised in due course, concluded the press release.
Sultan Of Brunei To Pay A Short Visit To Cambodia Early Next Week
Phnom Penh, April 27, 2024 --His Majesty Sultan Haji HASSANAL BOLKIAH MU'IZZADDIN WADDAULAH, the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, will pay a short visit to Cambodia next week to have breakfast with Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen, President of the Senate of Cambodia.“If nothing changes, on the night of April 29, the Sultan of Brunei will arrive in Cambodia. I will welcome him at the airport in person and accompany him to the hotel,” wrote Samdech Techo Hun Sen on his official Facebook page this morning, recalling that in 2011 when he went to Brunei, the Sultan drove by himself to welcome him at the airport and accompany him to the hotel as well.“The purpose of his (the Sultan of Brunei) visit is to come and have breakfast with me who he treats as the youngest brother,” he continued. “There are three brothers, the eldest is the Sultan of Brunei, the second is H.E. Thaksin Shinawatra (former prime minister of Thailand), and I’m the youngest.”According to Samdech Techo Hun Sen, there will be no official meeting. For the breakfast on April 30, the Sultan will be accompanied by his son, Prince Mateen, while Samdech Techo Hun Sen by his three sons – Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet, H.E. Hun Manith, and H.E. Hun Many.After the breakfast, Samdech Techo Hun Sen will see the Sultan of Brunei off at the airport.
NEW LE PETIT CHEF & FRIENDS SHOW AT HYATT REGENCY PHNOM PENH
Le Petit Chef is back with a new show! Hyatt Regency Phnom Penh invites you to join the quirky little chef and his friends from Spain, Italy and Japan. Enjoy an unforgettable experience that will capture your imagination. Through cutting-edge 3D Mapping Technology, diners will be able to see the world’s smallest chef in in action right on their dinner plates.Guests can enjoy a four-course gourmet menu inspired by Le Petit Chef and his talented friends, accompanied by themed music, vibrant lighting and interactive storytelling. The price starts at $88 per person for the Economy Class Menu, and $150 per person for the Business Class Menu, Vegetarian Menu and a Kids Menu are available.Le Petit Chef offers guests a unique and memorable fun dining experience that combines technology, art and cuisine. This is a perfect opportunity to celebrate a special occasion or simply enjoy a fun night out with family and friends.Le Petit Chef is available during dinner time, from Monday to Sunday (except Tuesday), from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Guest have to be at the venue at least 15 minutes in advance. Reservations are required. Please visit https://lepetitchef.com/phnompenh or call +855 97 350 1234 for reservations or more information.
Siem Reap To Host “Sadhguru Meditation Talk” At Bayon Temple Tomorrow
Phnom Penh, April 26, 2024 --An international meditation called “Sadhguru Meditation Talk” under the theme of “Mystic Musings” is going to be held at Bayon Temple in Siem Reap province on the evening of April 27.According to a press release of the Ministry of Tourism AKP received this afternoon, the forthcoming event, organised by the Ministry of Tourism in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts, Siem Reap Provincial Administration and ISHA Foundation, will be attended by a world-renowned Indian philosopher Sadhguru who is also Head of the ISHA Foundation.Sadhguru will bring along with him more than 100 high-level delegates, said the source, adding that the delegation will visit many temples in the Angkor area, such as Angkor Wat, Preah Khan, Ta Prohm and Bayon.“The selection of Bayon Temple as the venue for this international meditation event underscores the sacred nature of the Angkor area. Immersed in wonder, this location embodies the ideal setting for such a religious gathering, further solidifying Cambodia, particularly Siem Reap, as a premier destination for international spirit tourism,” underlined the press release.Sadhguru will arrive at Siem Reap International Airport this afternoon with a warm welcome from H.E. Sok Soken, Minister of Tourism, and his spouse Lok Chumteav Cham Krasna, and ministry’s leaders.
Cambodia Exports Processed Fish Products To Australia
Phnom Penh, April 25, 2024 --A fish processing enterprise – Home Taste Food – has exported its first batch of the processed fish products to Australia, becoming the first Cambodia’s firm exporting fish products officially to foreign markets.Some 4.7 tonnes of processed fish products have been shipped to Australia, said Mrs. Sim Sereyroth, founder of the Home Taste Food Enterprise, based in Siem Reap province.“The first formal export of processed fish products makes a significant step for us and reflects that the local products are now qualified for export to foreign markets,” she said.The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) applauded the presence of Cambodian processed fish products in the international market and the ministry is ready to facilitate the export expansion, said the MAFF’s Under Secretary of State and Spokeswoman H.E. Ms. Im Rachna.“Home Taste Food is the first Cambodian enterprise to officially export processed fish products to foreign markets,” she said.The Kingdom has sought for opportunity in the European market for processed fish products.According to H.E. Ms. Im Rachna, in order to be qualified as processed fish exporter, Home Taste Food has been undergoing training by the CAPFISH-Capture, implemented by the MAFF’s Fisheries Administration and United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO), she added.“The enterprises that can export processed fish products abroad are recognised by the UNIDO and the Fisheries Administration through awarding Cambodia Quality Seal (CQS) Certification,” the spokeswoman pointed out.CQS is a prestigious certification scheme owned by the Department of Fisheries Post-harvest Technologies and Quality Control under the Fisheries Administration.It was established specifically for fish and fishery products to recognise business operators in Cambodia for their commitment to high-quality and safe products.
Cambodia To Host 2024 Davis Cup Asia/Oceania Group IV Playoff
Phnom Penh, April 25, 2024 --Tennis Cambodia has been selected to host the 2024 Davis Cup Asia/Oceania Group IV playoff event, according to the National Olympic Committee of Cambodia (NOCC).Tennis Cambodia announced on Tuesday morning that it will be the first time to be the host and stand as another milestone for Tennis Cambodia and the nation at large.According to Tennis Cambodia, after hosting the 2023 SEA Games and the first-ever ITF Asian Junior Championships, it looks to continue its historic run by bringing the World Cup of Tennis to Phnom Penh for the first time.The 2024 Davis Cup Asia/Oceania Group IV Playoff Event will last from July 8 to 13 at the Morodok Techo National Stadium in Phnom Penh.The tournament features eight countries, including Cambodia, Iraq, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates.
Cambodia Requests The U.S. To Continue Capacity Building Support
Phnom Penh, April 25, 2024 --Cambodia has asked the United States of America to continue to support capacity building, especially that of the Council for the Development of Cambodia (CDC)’s officials.The request was made by H.E. SUN Chanthol, Deputy Prime Minister and CDC First Vice President, while he was receiving a farewell visit from H.E. W. Patrick Murphy, U.S. Ambassador to Cambodia, at the CDC headquarters on April 24.H.E. SUN Chanthol praised the outgoing ambassador for successfully fulfilling his mission in strengthening the bilateral relations and cooperation between Cambodia and the U.S. and in contributing to building the capacity of Cambodian youths.The Cambodian DPM also exposed his plan to visit the U.S. in the near future to attract American investors to the Kingdom.For his part, H.E. W. Patrick Murphy mentioned the foundation of Cambodia-U.S. relations under the Foreign Assistance framework such as USAID (United States Agency for International Development) which has contributed to building Cambodian youths’ capacity, and thus to achieving Cambodia’s goal as an upper middle-income economy by 2030 and a high-income country by 2050.The U.S. diplomat spoke highly of Cambodia’s success in welcoming the visit of U.S. President H.E. Joe Biden and in hosting the ASEAN Summit and Related Summits in 2022.
Preah Sihanouk Coastal Province Welcomes Another Cruise Ship
Phnom Penh, April 25, 2024 --Seabourn Sojourn, a cruise ship sailing under the flag of Bahamas, docked at Sihanoukville Autonomous Port in Preah Sihanouk province this morning for a day-long visit.According to an immigration police officer, the cruise ship carried 360 visitors of 27 different nationalities and 353 crewmembers of 40 nationalities on board.Most of the tourists are American (188), said the same source, adding that the tourists visited cultural resorts, beaches and other tourist attractions in Preah Sihanouk coastal province, while some others left for Siem Reap province to visit Angkor temples.The cruise ship of nearly 200 metres long, 26 metres wide and 6.7 metres deep came from Vietnam and will leave Preah Sihanouk province for Thailand this evening.Since the beginning of this year, more and more tourism vessels bringing along thousands of multinational tourists and crewmembers visited Cambodia via the Sihanoukville Autonomous Port.Tourism is a priority sector in promoting Cambodia’s macroeconomic growth and social development and is expected to take up the biggest part in the country's GDP in the near future.
Siem Reap Hosts Joint Cambodia-China Martial Arts Performances
Siem Reap, April 24, 2024—Cambodia’s Minister of Tourism H.E. Sok Soken (Pic. 1) and visiting H.E. Sun Shougang (Pic. 2), Member of the Standing Committee of CPC Henan Provincial Committee and Deputy Governor of Henan Province, deliver their remarks while were presiding over the “Cambodia-China Cultural Tourism Exhibition” along with “When Shaolin Meets Bokator at Angkor Event”, jointly organised at the Northern Part of Bayon Temple in Siem Reap province on April 24 by Cambodia’s Ministry of Tourism, and the People’s Administration of Henan Province with an aim to promote tourism between Siem Reap province and Henan province as well as to contribute to successful implementation of “Visit Siem Reap 2024” and “Cambodia-China People-to-People Exchange Year 2024”.
CPP And LPRP To Continue Strengthening Friendship And Cooperation
Phnom Penh, April 24, 2024 --The ruling political parties of Cambodia and Laos this morning agreed to further strengthen their friendship, solidarity and cooperation for the benefit of both countries’ people.The commitment was made known in a press release issued after the 14th Meeting between the Cambodian People’s Party (CPP) and the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party (LPRP), held at the January 7 Palace in Phnom Penh under the co-chairmanship of CPP President Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen and LPRP General Secretary H.E. Thongloun Sisoulith.The meeting was held in a warm, friendly, understanding and trusting atmosphere to continue to deepen the bonds of solidarity, traditional friendship and cooperation in all fields between the two parties and countries.The two sides highly appreciated and welcomed the steady development of solidarity, traditional friendship and cooperation between the two countries, which have been upgraded to the level of comprehensive and long-lasting strategic partnership.They exchanged information on the overall regional and international situation, the emerging situation of each party and country, the bilateral relations and cooperation in the regional and international framework, as well as the direction of cooperation between the two parties.Both sides agreed to continue to strengthen the friendship, solidarity and cooperation between the two parties and the two countries, as well as between the three countries – Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam – for the national benefit of the three countries and their peoples to contribute to the cause of peace, stability, friendship, cooperation and development in the Mekong subregion, as well as regionally and globally.They praised the results of the implementation of the spirit of the 13th CPP-LPRP Summit in Vientiane on Feb. 14, 2023, which have greatly contributed to the promotion of the solidarity, traditional friendship, cooperation and mutual support between both countries’ parties, parliaments, governments and mass organisations.The two sides also agreed to hold the 15th CPP-LPRP Meeting in Laos next year.
Cambodia Launches ‘NoDrug’ App Among Students
Phnom Penh, April 24, 2024 --Cambodia has launched a mobile app called 'NoDrug' among students to promote two-way communication towards the elimination of the use and trafficking of illicit drugs in Cambodian families and society.Minister of Information H.E. Neth Pheaktra, who is also the Chair of the Education and Dissemination Commission of the Anti-Illegal Drug Campaign, presided over the launch at a BELTEI International School compound in Phnom Penh on April 23.According to the minister, the new app will further promote public awareness on the harmful effects of illicit drugs, especially among students, to enable them to better protect themselves, their families, and their friends.It will also serve as a platform where users can submit questions and suggestions and report cases related to drug crime to pertinent authorities for their support and response, he added.H.E. Neth Pheaktra also called on active engagement among all players in the community, not only in using the app but also in reinforcing the crackdown and prevention of illicit drug cases, including the promotion of the Safe Village Commune/Sangkat Policy.Over 2,000 concerned authorities, students, teachers, monks, and journalists attended the launch of the mobile app.
China Pledges Support for Former Prime Minister Hun Sen Security And Deepening Ties.
On April 23, 2024, in Phnom Penh The Cambodian People's Party was congratulated on their reelection by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. He expressed hope that, as in the past, the relationship between the Chinese and Cambodian governments will continue to prosper. He said, "The Chinese leadership has great regard for Cambodian leaders."Wang highlighted China's emphasis on working with the other party to change information, vehemently rejecting any kind of "color revolution," and pursuing development, particularly in light of earlier agreements to fortify and advance bilateral cooperation.A HEARTY HISTORY OF PARTNERSHIP :Greeting Wang as an old friend and longtime collaborator, Hun Sen made a heartfelt welcome in his speech. Recalling that Wang had visited Cambodia twice in less than a year, the Cambodian leader said that this was evidence of China's attention to the country during a period of peaceful transition, political stability, prosperous economic operations, and ongoing development.Additionally, Hun Sen congratulated Wang for his visit and conveyed the hope that it will further solidify Cambodia's and China's bilateral ties.With Beijing promising to protect the security of the Cambodian leader and his family, the meeting between Wang and Hun Sen highlights the strengthening connections between Cambodia and China. This comes after the recent elections saw a landslide victory for Hun Sen's Cambodian People's Party.BUSINESS COOPERATION AND STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP:China has given Cambodia billions of dollars in aid and investment, making it a significant ally and supporter. On the other hand, detractors claim Beijing is supporting Hun Sen's autocratic regime and weakening democracy.China is Cambodia's major commercial partner and lender, providing loans to finance highways, airports, and other infrastructure projects under the Belt and Road Initiative. The two nations have established a strong economic and strategic alliance.China's promise to help Hun Sen's and his family's security when he assumes the office of President of the Senate and the Cambodian People's Party signifies Beijing's commitment to strengthening ties with the incoming Cambodian leadership.
Chinese Foreign Minister Begins Official Visit In Cambodia
Phnom Penh, April 21, 2024 --H.E. Wang Yi, Member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, Director of the Office of the Central Commission for Foreign Affairs and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China, started his three-day official visit in Cambodia this afternoon.He was warmly welcomed upon his arrival at Phnom Penh International Airport by senior officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MFAIC).According to a press release of the MFAIC, during the visit, H.E. Wang Yi will be granted a royal audience by His Majesty Preah Bat Samdech Preah Boromneath Norodom Sihamoni, King of Cambodia, at the Royal Palace. He will also pay separate courtesy calls on Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen, President of the Senate, and Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet, the Prime Minister.H.E. Wang Yi will co-chair with H.E. Sun Chanthol, Deputy Prime Minister and First Vice Chairman of the Council for the Development of Cambodia, the Seventh Cambodia-China Intergovernmental Coordination Committee Meeting. He will also hold bilateral talks with H.E. Sok Chenda Sophea, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, to exchange views on further consolidating close and excellent bilateral ties spanning wide-ranging areas.“The visit coincides with the Cambodia-China People-to-People Exchange Year and will contribute to further strengthening the ironclad friendship and Comprehensive Strategic Partnership of Cooperation, deepening the building of a high-quality, high-level and high-standard Community with a Shared Future, promoting the Diamond Cooperation framework, and stimulating collaboration across regional and international platforms, thus mutually benefiting the two nations and peoples,” underlined the press release.
Lao President Kicks Off Two-Day State Visit In Cambodia
Phnom Penh, April 23, 2024 --A high-level delegation of the Lao People's Democratic Republic led by H.E. President Thongloun SISOULITH and his spouse arrived in Phnom Penh this morning for a two-day state visit in Cambodia at the invitation of His Majesty Preah Bat Samdech Preah Boromneath NORODOM SIHAMONI, King of Cambodia.According to a press release of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, during the visit, H.E. the President will be granted a royal audience by His Majesty the King at the Royal Palace.H.E. Thongloun SISOULITH will meet separately with Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo HUN Sen, President of the Senate, Samdech Moha Rathsapheathika Thipadei KHUON Sudary, President of the National Assembly, and Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei HUN Manet, the Prime Minister.The Lao President is expected to exchange views with Cambodian leaders on enhancing Cambodia-Laos cooperation; as well as regional and international issues of common interest.H.E. Thongloun SISOULITH will lay wreathes at the Independence Monument and the Royal Memorial Statue of the late King-Father, His Majesty Preah Bat Samdech Preah NORODOM SIHANOUK "Preah Borom Ratanak Kaudh".“The state visit will be a significant milestone to further strengthen and promote excellent relations, good neighbourliness, fraternal ties and solidarity as well as the Comprehensive and Long-Lasting Strategic Partnership for the common prosperity of the two countries,” underlined the press release.
Green Tourism Corridor Planned For Phnom Kulen National Park
Phnom Penh, April 20, 2024 --Ministry of Environment plans to launch a green tourism corridor at Preah Jayavarman-Norodom Phnom Kulen National Park in Cambodia's Siem Reap province.The plan was unveiled by Minister of Environment H.E. Eang Sophalleth when chairing a green tourism destination development meeting at the ministry on April 18.The initiative will not only promote sustainable livelihoods among the locals in the protected areas but also ensure effective and efficient natural resource management and biodiversity conservation to achieve carbon neutrality by 2025.The green tourism corridor will start with eco-friendly camping complexes, Khmer-style housing for accommodations, cycling paths, and other tourism products.H.E. Eang Sophalleth advised his technical team to conduct a comprehensive feasibility study for strategic planning for the creation of the green tourism corridor.Preah Jayavarman-Norodom Phnom Kulen National Park is home to at least 85 tourist attractions, including stunning waterfalls, ancient temples, and natural ponds.There are a total of 1,246 families of 5,036 people (2,446 women) residing in the protected areas of the national park.
Cambodia, Timor-Leste Sign Education Cooperation Deal
Phnom Penh, April 11, 2024 --Senior officials of the Cambodian Ministry of Education, Youth, and Sports (MoEYS) and the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Culture (MoHESC) of Timor-Leste have vowed deeper education cooperation.The commitment was highlighted at the signing ceremony of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on Higher Education and Science Cooperation between H.E. Hang Chuon Naron, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of MoEYS, and H.E. José Honório da Costa Pereira Jerónimo, Minister of MoHESC in Phnom Penh on April 9.According to H.E. Hang Chuon Naron, the deal will allow the exchange of experiences and mobility of students, teachers, researchers, scholars, and publishers between the two countries.It will also encourage joint research in higher education to build capacity and human resource development.H.E. José Honório da Costa Pereira Jerónimo said that the MoU is a new step in the education partnership between the two countries.He thanked the Cambodian government for the cooperation and looked forward to its results.
Cambodia, China Discuss Enhancement Of ASEAN-China Partnership
Phnom Penh, April 11, 2024 --Strengthening ASEAN-China partnership was the topic of discussion between H.E. SOK Chenda Sophea, Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Integrational Cooperation, and H.E. Ms. Hou Yanqi, Ambassador of China to ASEAN, at the ministry here early this week.According to press release of Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation released on April 10, both sides commended the good momentum of ASEAN-China relations, recalled decisions by leaders on the establishment of the meaningful, substantive and mutually beneficial ASEAN-China Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2001, and welcomed 2024 as the ASEAN-China Year of People-to-People Exchanges. They further looked forward to successful implementation of activities and projects to deepen and broaden connections and promote interactions between the two sides.H.E. SOK Chenda Sophea underlined the salience of the “ASEAN Way” – consultation and consensus-based decision-making enshrined in the ASEAN Charter, stressing the uniqueness of the association, and preserved it centrality and unity in relations with partners.The Cambodian top diplomate also thanked China for extensive support to ASEAN community-building efforts.On Cambodia-China front, H.E. SOK Chenda Sophea highly appreciated the significant contribution of China’s Global Development Initiative and Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) to Cambodia’s socio-economic development over the years.Besides, he stressed the importance of the “diamond cooperation” framework between Cambodia and China, notably in the fields of agriculture, energy and people-to-people exchanges, as well as highly valued China’s continued support for Cambodia’s development.For his part, H.E. Ms. Hou Yanqi cherished Cambodia’s active role in ASEAN community-building and acknowledged the importance of ASEAN in maintaining peace, security, stability, and enhancing growth in the region.The Chinese ambassador took the opportunity to reaffirm China’s firm support and respect for ASEAN centrality and unity, and underscored China’s strong commitment to quality cooperation with Cambodia under the BRI.Both sides also exchanged views on regional and international issues of common interest and concern, including Mekong-Lancang Cooperation.
The First Standard Dairy Farm In Cambodia Inaugurated
Phnom Penh, April 11, 2024 --The first standard and largest dairy farm in Cambodia – Kirisu – was inaugurated this morning under the presidency of Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet.Invested by Khmer Fresh Milk Co., Ltd., the farm is located in Aopheasang village, Kandoeung commune, Bati district, Takeo province.Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet spoke highly of the investment of Khmer Fresh Milk and congratulated Takeo province on having another famous local product for the people, besides the well-known egg balut.The Premier encouraged the company to further enhance the production chain and urged other private sector to invest in agro-farming in the country.On the occasion, Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet also urged the people to engage in modern farming and to upgrade agrotechnology skills.H.E. Dith Tina, Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fishery said Kirisu is one of the four dairy farms in Cambodia.H.E. Minister added that the four dairy farms have in total nearly 1,200 dairy cattle, producing a total of 13,000 litres of fresh milk per day.“All the dairy farms in the Kingdom can cover 17 percent of the total dairy demand of 300,000 litres per year,” he underlined.According to Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet, Cambodia annually imports some 98,000 tonnes of fresh milk worth US$734 million.
Cambodian Memorial Sites: From Centres Of Repression To Places Of Peace And Reflection
Phnom Penh, April 10, 2024 --[Cambodian Memorial Sites: From Centres of Repression to Places of Peace and Reflection (M-13, Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, Choeung Ek Genocidal Center) to Receive Support from KOICA]The Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) convened a wrap-up meeting at the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum on April 9 with representatives from the Cambodian Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts (MCFA) and UNESCO Cambodia Office.According to a KOICA’s press release, this meeting marked the successful conclusion of the project formulation study mission for the second phase of the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum Archives Preservation and Digitisation Project, also known as the Peace Education, Archives Preservation and Digitisation, and Site Conservation for Youth Empowerment (PEACE) project.Building on the achievements of the first feasibility study conducted in early 2023, the recently completed mission, held from April 3 to 9, 2024, focused on developing a detailed plan for the project. This plan outlines clear objectives, the scope of KOICA's support, and an initial implementation schedule. The project aligns with Cambodia’s recent nomination for inscription on the World Heritage List of Cambodian Memorial Sites: From Centres of Repression to Places of Peace and Reflection.The meeting was presided over by H.E. HAB Touch, Secretary of State of MCFA, Ms. CHOI Moon Jung, Country Director of KOICA Cambodia Office, and Mr. ALAM Sardar Umar, UNESCO Representative to Cambodia.The upcoming step will include the signing of a Record of Discussions (RoD) between KOICA and MCFA, as well as a Grant Arrangement between KOICA and UNESCO. This significant event is scheduled to take place in May this year, marking the commencement of project implementation.The project, funded by a Korean government grant of US$3 million for five years (2024-2028), will further develop Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and related sites as a centre of excellence for peace and global citizenship education, and demonstrate it as a model memorial site for learning and youth empowerment to promote peace.
Acting Head Of State Rejects Fabricated Story About Techo Funan Canal Project
Phnom Penh, April 09, 2024 --Cambodian Acting Head of State, Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen, President of the Supreme Privy Council to His Majesty the King, has made a statement rejecting a fabricated story against the Techo Funan Canal development project.The full statement released on the social media networks of Samdech Techo Hun Sen, former Prime Minister of Cambodia, on April 9 reads as follows:“Following a series of slanderous reports about the presence of Chinese troops at the Ream naval base, they now fabricate the story of the Techo Funan Canal, which falsely mentions that the canal will further facilitate the Chinese navy near the Vietnamese border even when the canal is still under construction.Today I would like to remind friends or non-friends on the following points:1. Cambodia needs Chinese troops for what?2. Cambodia and Viet Nam are good neighbours and have good cooperation in all fields.3. China and Viet Nam have good relations and are comprehensive strategic partners.4. Why would Cambodia bring Chinese troops into its country, which violates the constitution? And why would China bring its troops to Cambodia, which is contrary to the principle of respect for Cambodia's independence?5. In addition to Article 53 of the Constitution, which prohibits Cambodia from having foreign military bases on its territory, Article 55 clearly states that any treaty and agreement incompatible with the independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity, neutrality and national unity of the Kingdom of Cambodia shall be eliminated. This makes it clear that no agreement can be implemented if it is not in line with Cambodia's independence and sovereignty, as the Constitution has already been repealed.6. The Techo Funan Canal purely serves socio-economic benefit as it provides more waterways to the southwestern Cambodia additional to the existing transport routes along the Mekong River. This vital infrastructure facilitates agricultural activities by providing water for crop cultivation, is good for water management during the rainy season, and increases freshwater fish production, among other benefits.This canal has no impacts on the flow of the Mekong River as it does not connect directly to the Mekong but rather to the Bassac River.Measures such as sluice gates prevent freshwater from entering the sea, in adherence to the 1995 Mekong Agreement. We follow the 1995 Mekong Agreement. Please ask the Mekong River Commission because we have already informed the Mekong River Commission this agreement.We call on you not to slander us in order to oppose China in accordance with the geopolitical strategy. We also think of our national interests just as you do, and it does not mean that your brains are better than us.Fortunately, you were born in a rich country and we were born in a poor country. That’s why you look down on us.”