Phnom Penh (FN), Dec. 18 – Cambodian Senate President, Samdech Techo Hun Sen accepted the invitation from the Ukrainian President and the Speaker of the Ukrainian Parliament to visit Ukraine at a mutually convenient time in the future. Samdech Techo previously visited Kiev in 1981.

Samdech Techo Hun Sen received a courtesy call by Ukrainian Ambassador to Cambodia Oleksandr Gaman on 17 December 2024 at the Senate.

During the meeting, Samdech Techo expressed his regret for the devastation and suffering caused by the ongoing war in Ukraine over the past three years.

Reflecting on Cambodia’s own history, Samdech Techo noted that the country deeply understands the hardships, suffering, and consequences of war, affirming his belief that “war cannot end war.”

Samdech Techo also referenced his decision to step down as Prime Minister, explaining that stepping aside while still strong and popular was intended to secure long-term peace and stability for Cambodia.

Ambassador Gaman expressed his gratitude and pleasure at meeting Samdech Techo again, following their encounter during the 2022 ASEAN Summit. He thanked Samdech Techo for his steadfast support of international law in opposing Russian aggression and for his ongoing sympathy towards Ukraine. The Ambassador also informed Samdech Techo about the Peace Summit in Switzerland in June 2024 and detailed the current challenges Ukraine is facing.

Ambassador Gaman conveyed his deep appreciation for Cambodia’s assistance in training Ukrainian deminers. He noted that, without international support, it could take Ukraine around 100 years to clear landmines from the country.

The ambassador highlighted that the recent interactions between Ukrainian and Cambodian leaders, particularly with Samdech Techo, reflect the strengthening relations between the two nations.

Taking this occasion, the ambassador conveyed the invitation to Samdech Techo to visit Ukraine from the President and The Speaker of the Parliament of Ukraine.

For his part, Samdech Techo thanked the Ukrainian Ambassador for his insights into Ukraine’s current situation. He reiterated Cambodia’s firm commitment to international law as a foundation for peace, a position that remains unchanged.

Additionally, Samdech Techo affirmed Cambodia’s ongoing cooperation with Japan in demining training efforts. He recalled his previous communication with the Speaker of the Ukrainian Parliament, stating that Cambodia is willing to send peacekeeping forces, including deminers, but only under the United Nations’ mandate.

Samdech Techo further shared his experiences in leading Cambodia and ASEAN, underscoring that effective peace negotiations require the participation of all relevant parties, regardless of their size or influence.

He commended Ukraine’s efforts to build stronger relations with Cambodia and once again accepted the invitation to visit Ukraine, marking his first return since 1981.

In closing, Ambassador Gaman expressed his gratitude to Samdech Techo and looked forward to welcoming him to Ukraine in the near future.
=FRESH NEWS