Ankara (FN), Dec. 12 – Samdech Techo Hun Sen, Cambodian Senate President, expressed satisfaction with Türkiye’s role in contributing to international solutions, particularly in addressing the conflict between Russia and Ukraine.

Samdech Techo spoke at a joint press conference with Numan Kurtulmuş, President of the Turkish Grand National Assembly, held on 12 December 2024 in Ankara, Türkiye.

At the same time, Samdech Techo Hun Sen expressed hope that Türkiye would continue playing this crucial role in helping to bring an end to the war between Russia and Ukraine through negotiations.

Samdech Techo underscored, “I am very satisfied with Türkiye’s role in international conflict resolution, and since the beginning of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Türkiye has played an important part. I hope that Türkiye will continue to engage in this role to help end the war through negotiations. In armed conflict, war cannot end war; only peace can end war, and this has already been demonstrated to the world.”

Regarding the situation in Syria, Samdech Techo Hun Sen acknowledged the emerging challenges in Syria as a separate issue, noting that it is not solely about a regime collapsing without the efforts of its people and other forces involved.

Samdech Techo stated, “I am deeply concerned about Israel’s recent actions in seizing parts of Syrian territory. While this conflict may seem distant to those outside the region, I firmly believe that the Syrian people alone should determine their future, with support from the external assistance. Ultimately, it is up to the Syrian people to shape their destiny. Despite the complexity of the situation, they are striving to achieve peace on their own terms.”

“In a few days, Cambodia will commemorate the 26th and 27th anniversaries of achieving complete territorial unity, marking the first enduring peace in our 500-year history—a foundation for rebuilding our nation. I hope the global community will contribute constructively to resolving such conflicts. Policies of sanctions, however, are not the solution. For instance, sanctions on Russia have neither defeated the country nor resolved the issue; instead, they have caused widespread suffering, including for nations like Cambodia,” he added.

Drawing from Cambodia's own experience with economic and political sanctions, Samdech Techo called for an end to such practices, emphasizing that no nation should have to compromise its sovereignty in exchange for aid or favours. He pointed out that sanctions primarily inflict suffering on the people, not their leaders.

During his visit to Ankara, Türkiye, Samdech Techo Hun Sen reflected on his ongoing journey as President of the Senate, a role he assumed in April and has held for just nine months. This follows a 45-year tenure as Minister of Foreign Affairs and Prime Minister. He expressed a keen interest in learning from the president of the Turkish Grand National Assembly to further enhance his understanding and leadership in this new capacity.

On the occasion, Samdech Techo Hun Sen invited Numan Kurtulmuş to visit Cambodia at an appropriate time to further strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries in all areas.
=FRESH NEWS