Phnom Penh (FN), Dec. 26 – Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet said that there are three mechanisms for national defence: negotiating to clearly define the border, marking the border, and developing the border area.
The premier spoke on Thursday (Dec. 26) during a graduation of more than 1,000 students of the University of Human Resources, held at the National Institute of Education.
“To safeguard territorial integrity, we must rely on the three mechanisms that the Royal Government has consistently implemented,” the premier underlined. Addressing calls for greater vocality on Facebook regarding border issues, he stated, “While I may not often speak publicly about the border, our focus remains on applying these mechanisms.”
Samdech Thipadei outlined the three national defense mechanisms, which include negotiating to clearly demarcate the border. He noted that some areas, such as the stretch from Tbong Khmum to the Dragon’s Tail, have lacked border markers since the French colonial period. “During the French era, no markers were placed, but under our administration, we have established them. Whether markers were abandoned in the wilderness or nonexistent, we have reclaimed these areas through demining and road construction, paving the way for development,” he explained.
Areas once plagued by landmines have now been transformed into habitable regions where people can live, farm, and engage in peaceful activities. On Cambodia’s western border, areas that were once bamboo forests and minefields have, since the establishment of complete peace in 1998, been developed into special economic zones with roads, schools, hospitals, and other infrastructure.
The Cambodian and Thai governments are also preparing to open additional border crossings to facilitate trade and transform old battlefields along the border into areas where more people can reside.
On the occasion, the premier added that public participation is vital, calling it a historical responsibility. He urged citizens to focus on positive collaboration and avoid inciting conflict on social media or accusing one another of treason over border issues. Border concerns, he emphasised, must be resolved through negotiation, accurate marking of borders based on legal maps, and adherence to the agreements deposited at the United Nations.
At the same time, Prime Minister Hun Manet also urged citizens not to dwell on unresolved land issues from the past, as this could lead to conflict among communities. He stressed the importance of fostering cooperation between people and politicians to ensure peaceful coexistence.
Samdech Thipadei emphasised that loving the nation and its land is a shared responsibility, but it is crucial to avoid national division or hostility with neighbouring countries. He also noted that approximately 700,000 Cambodians, both at home and abroad, contributed funds to the border infrastructure fund in just one month.
=FRESH NEWS
