(Phnom Penh): Samdech Techo Hun Sen, President of the Senate of Cambodia, received a farewell call by Ermenegildo Kupa Lopes, outgoing Ambassador of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste to the Kingdom of Cambodia, on Tuesday (Jul. 1) at the Senate.

According to Senate Spokesperson Chea Thyrith, Samdech Techo Hun Sen expressed both pleasure at meeting the ambassador again and regret over his departure. He commended Ambassador Lopes for his significant contributions in strengthening Cambodia–Timor-Leste relations and noted the many memorable joint achievements. Samdech Techo described him as a key figure in reinforcing bilateral friendship and regarded him as one of the most impactful ambassadors to Cambodia.

Ambassador Lopes, in turn, expressed deep gratitude and fond memories of his more than five years in Cambodia, saying he considered the Kingdom his second home. He also thanked Samdech Techo for supporting Timor-Leste’s bid to become a full ASEAN member, stating that without Samdech’s backing, this milestone could not have been reached. He affirmed that Samdech’s name would always be honoured among the people of Timor-Leste.

On the occasion, Samdech Techo reflected on his own official visit to Timor-Leste, where he was warmly welcomed, including by President José Ramos-Horta who personally drove him, and Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão who accompanied him. The visit marked a historic gesture in bilateral relations. Samdech expressed pride in having played a role in Timor-Leste's admission as an observer in 2022 and its upcoming full ASEAN membership in October 2025.

During the meeting, Samdech Techo also briefed the ambassador on the Cambodia–Thailand border issue, including the fatal shooting of a Cambodian soldier on May 28 and Thailand’s unilateral border closure. He reaffirmed that both he and Prime Minister Hun Manet were committed to peaceful solutions based on international law, though Cambodia would defend itself if provoked.

Ambassador Lopes praised Samdech Techo as an extraordinary strategist who has successfully resolved many national issues, saying Timor-Leste sees Cambodia as a model for national development and conflict resolution. He pledged that Timor-Leste would continue to look to Cambodia for inspiration in the future.
=FRESH NEWS