(Phnom Penh): On 18 May 2026, Khek Cai Mealy Sysoda, former Cambodian Ambassador to China, received the inaugural Outstanding Diplomat Medal awarded by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China.

The medal presentation ceremony was presided over by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, Member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee.

Approximately 300 participants, including diplomats, representatives of international organisations, and Chinese officials, attended the ceremony.

According to China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Outstanding Diplomat Medal was established to honour ambassadors who have made significant contributions to strengthening friendship and cooperation between China and other countries.

Speaking at the ceremony, Wang Yi extended congratulations to all award recipients, describing diplomatic envoys as bridges of friendship and cooperation between nations. He praised the honorees as longstanding friends of China who have contributed to bilateral relations, mutual understanding, people-to-people exchanges, and mutually beneficial cooperation.

Minister Wang Yi also reaffirmed China’s commitment to peace, openness, inclusiveness, and international cooperation, while expressing hope that the award recipients would continue promoting friendship between China and the global community.

The Outstanding Diplomat Medal was presented to eight diplomats and former diplomats, including former Cambodian Ambassador to China Khek Caimealy Sysoda, and other former ambassadors from different countries to China.

The award recipients expressed appreciation to the Chinese government, stating that the honour reflected not only recognition of individual diplomats but also the strong bilateral relations between their respective countries and China.

It should be noted that Khek Caimealy Sysoda previously served as Minister Attached to the Prime Minister and Chief of Protocol to the late King Father Norodom Sihanouk. In 2004, she became Chief of Protocol to King Norodom Sihamoni.

In 2007, she was appointed Cambodian Ambassador to China, serving in the position until 2024.
=FRESH NEWS