Phnom Penh (FN), Oct. 4 – Cambodian Senate President, Samdech Techo Hun Sen, expressed Cambodia’s desire to see North and South Koreas maintain positive relations and avoid any outbreak of war on the Korean Peninsula.
Samdech Techo Hun Sen received a courtesy call by Jang Yun Gon, Ambassador of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) to Cambodia, on Friday (Oct. 4) at the Senate.
Samdech Techo welcomed the ambassador, marking the first meeting between them since 2016, when Samdech Techo was still serving as Prime Minister. He also commemorated the 76th anniversary of the founding of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea and the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Cambodia and North Korea (1964-2024).
On that occasion, the DPRK ambassador expressed his gratitude to Samdech Techo for taking the time to meet with him and his delegation. He also thanked him for the celebration of the DPRK's 76th anniversary on 1 October and the 60th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Cambodia and North Korea.
The ambassador underlined that the longstanding diplomatic relationship between Cambodia and North Korea, spanning the past 60 years, is a historical bond established by former heads of state, Kim Il-sung and the Late King Father of Cambodia.
The ambassador also took the opportunity to congratulate Samdech Techo on his election as President of the Cambodian Senate, following his 38-year tenure as prime minister, during which he achieved significant accomplishments for the people and country of Cambodia. The ambassador noted that the transition to a new government led by Prime Minister Hun Manet, with a younger cabinet, proceeded smoothly in response to global dynamics.
He further shared his admiration for the seventh-mandate Royal Government under the leadership of Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet, highlighting the strategic measures, development projects, and policies that have been effectively implemented to ensure peace, security, economic stability, and growth in Cambodia.
For his part, Samdech Techo Hun Sen thanked the ambassador for congratulating him on his election as President of the Senate of Cambodia and for recognising the achievements of the seventh-mandate government.
Samdech Techo noted that, in the past, there was a perception that a young Royal Government would need time to establish itself. However, the current government has already exceeded expectations within its first year, ensuring peace, political stability, steady economic growth, and achieving a 20 per cent increase in exports.
Samdech Techo Hun Sen underlined that over the past 20 years, Cambodia has enjoyed strong economic growth. Despite the COVID19 crisis, Cambodia has transitioned from a low-income to a lower-middle-income country and shifted from an import-dependent to an export-oriented economy, with exports continuing to increase.
Regarding bilateral relations, Samdech Techo, in his capacity as Acting Head of State, requested the ambassador’s understanding that Cambodia is obliged to enforce the United Nations Security Council's sanctions on the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) as a member state of the UN. He noted that these sanctions impact not only the DPRK but also other nations, including Cambodia.
On the subject of North Korea’s relationship with ASEAN, Samdech Techo suggested that North Korea should leverage the ASEAN Forum to maintain connections with ASEAN countries and strengthen its ties with the region. He acknowledged North Korea's need for self-defence but urged restraint from actions that might cause regional or ASEAN concerns.
Finally, Samdech Techo wished the DPRK ambassador to Cambodia and his delegation success and progress in their work.
=FRESH NEWS
