(Phnom Penh): Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet reaffirmed that the Royal Government’s three core priorities are safeguarding the nation and its people, protecting Cambodia’s territorial integrity and sovereignty, and improving the livelihoods of the Cambodian people.
The premier spoke peaking at a gathering with Cambodia’s small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) on Saturday (Jun. 27),
“The Royal Government’s three major priorities are the nation and its people, territorial integrity and national sovereignty, and the livelihoods and lives of our people,” he said.
The prime minister reiterated Cambodia’s commitment to defending its territory while pursuing peaceful solutions whenever possible, emphasizing that negotiations remain the preferred path to resolving disputes.
“If there is an opportunity to resolve issues peacefully, we should do so. We must protect our territory, but we must also exercise patience and make full use of international law,” he said.
Samdech Thipadei noted that Cambodia continues to use bilateral negotiations where possible on land and maritime boundary issues, while turning to international legal mechanisms under the United Nations, including UNCLOS, when bilateral channels are unavailable.
Samdech Thipadei further underscored that seeking peaceful legal solutions does not mean Cambodia is relinquishing its lawful territorial claims, but rather resolving disputes through legal and diplomatic means to prevent conflict and protect civilians.
The prime minister warned that armed conflict would carry heavy economic costs, particularly for tourism and national development, as government resources would have to be redirected toward defence spending.
He warned that armed conflict would inflict significant economic costs, particularly on sectors such as tourism, as visitors are unlikely to travel to countries affected by war. He also noted that conflict would force the government to divert national resources toward military spending rather than national development.
On the occasion, Prime Minister Hun Manet also thanked the Cambodian people for their understanding and support, saying it has enabled the government to address challenges calmly, preserve peace and continue advancing the country's socio-economic development.
=FRESH NEWS
