(Phnom Penh): Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong reaffirmed to Cambodian Senate President, Samdech Techo Hun Sen, that he hopes Cambodia and Thailand will resolve their dispute peacefully, in accordance with international law.

Lawrence Wong paid a courtesy call on Samdech Techo Hun Sen on Wednesday (Jul. 2) as part of his official visit to Cambodia.

According to the Senate Spokesperson Chea Thyrith, Samdech Techo expressed his pleasure in meeting with the Singaporean prime minister and his delegation. He regarded the visit as a significant contribution to strengthening and deepening the long-standing relationship between Cambodia and Singapore.

Samdech Techo highlighted the enduring ties between the two nations, which span 60 years. These diplomatic relations date back to the era of the late King Father Norodom Sihanouk, during which Singapore's founding Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew paid a visit to Cambodia. Over these six decades, bilateral relations have continued to develop steadily.

During the meeting, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong expressed his gratitude to Samdech Techo for allowing him and his delegation to pay a courtesy call. He emphasized that 2025 marks the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Cambodia and Singapore. Prime Minister Lawrence Wong acknowledged that the relationship has long been positive, and he credited Samdech Techo as a key figure in fostering closer ties between the two countries. Over the years, Samdech Techo has met with several Singaporean leaders, which has played a vital role in furthering bilateral relations. Moving forward, he expressed confidence that Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet will continue this legacy and bring the relationship to new heights.

According to Samdech Techo Hun Sen, there are already many flights between Cambodia and Singapore. However, he proposed further increasing direct air connectivity, particularly flights from Singapore to Cambodia, in light of Cambodia's upcoming new international airport. Increased flight connections would boost mutual benefits and promote tourism between the two nations.

Samdech Techo also addressed the ongoing border dispute between Cambodia and Thailand, which stems from incursions by Thai troops. He provided an update to the Singaporean prime minister, noting that the situation began on 28 May, when Thai soldiers crossed the border and shot dead a Cambodian soldier. Subsequently, Thailand unilaterally closed the border. Cambodia has since endured continued acts of provocation, including electricity and internet cutoff, threats against Cambodian workers, and even threats to stop fuel exports. One of the gravest offenses, Samdech Techo stressed, was personal insults directed at him, which he deemed unacceptable.

Samdech Techo expressed deep regret over the situation, which he said he never wished to see, especially within the ASEAN region. He emphasized his desire to see unity among ASEAN nations and avoid causing regional leaders undue stress. Nevertheless, he reiterated Cambodia’s position to pursue a peaceful resolution based on international law. He also expressed hope that the matter could be brought before the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

In response, Singaporean prime minister expressed his appreciation to Samdech Techo for the detailed explanation of the current situation between Cambodia and Thailand. He affirmed his support for a peaceful resolution grounded in international law and bilateral mechanisms. Prime Minister Lawrence Wong expressed hope that peace will prevail in the ASEAN region and that both sides will exercise patience and resolve the issue through lawful and peaceful means.
=FRESH NEWS