CNV: 24/11/2024

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Today, I hope that by sitting alone at a table is not too arrogant. This is also a matter of equality, because everyone sits and listens, and I speak. If I were to speak there, it would probably be right, but it would be a little unfair for me because I would have to (stand) speaking a lot. They would have required me to give a lecture on the Cambodian experience. So please understand that I would have to sit and speak for only an hour or a little over an hour about an issue that has been around for almost half a century, or more. It may not be enough. I am sure you will forgive me because the lecture on the Cambodian experience is a bit long, and if I were to give a speech, it would be too short.

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Today, I am very delighted to preside over this important Internal Consultation on the Draft “Peace Charter: For People and the Planet” to share my personal leadership experiences in rebuilding Cambodia, both during and after the war, especially in matters of national liberation, national reconciliation, and the process of national reconstruction and peacebuilding. The liberation of this unfortunate country from a brutal genocidal regime and from the flames of endless war has brought about the complete peace that Cambodia has never experienced in her 500 years of history, safeguarding the sustainability of that peace, and rapid social advancement from which all the Cambodian people benefit.

In early September, I received an honorary doctorate in “Leadership and Peacebuilding” from WISE University in Dongguk, Gyeongsangbuk Province, Republic of Korea. There, I shared my lecture on “Cambodia’s Experience in National Liberation, Peacebuilding, Reconciliation and Reconstruction”. The topic I shared then and today is quite related, although in the Republic of Korea I focused more on the international context, whereas today I wanted to focus more on the national context of Cambodia. Indeed, for most of my life, I led Cambodia as Prime Minister for 38 years, and it was almost half a century if I include the time when I began the struggle to liberate the country of Pol Pot’s genocidal regime, and my time as Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister.

It is a fact that these lessons and experiences are rare, for which I even risked my life. I have always had the desire to share my experiences of leading Cambodia with Samdech, Excellencies and all participants, after I decided, as an incumbent ruler of the Royal Government, to take off the burden of my shoulders and to let the new generations take over. The difference is that new generations have not had to go through battlefields, armed conflicts or the real armed struggle to free the nation from the dark ages and tragedy. However, they have the overriding duty to continue to preserve, protect and promote the value of peace, create more new achievements, expand development potentials and strengthen national solidarity and unity by continuing to rely on the national motto “Nation, Religion, King” and the party’s motto “Independence, Peace, Freedom, Democracy, Neutrality and Social Progress”.

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(1) The question of who will lead Cambodia after Hun Sen has been resolved

I should clarify this point a little. Last year, there was a general election which ended the 6th legislative term government and entered the 7th legislative term. Those of us who are older have decided to leave the executive branch and transfer leadership to a new generation. The related question of who will lead Cambodia after Hun Sen has already been resolved and the country has been stable for more than a year. The difference here, as I have stated, is that one seeks and the other strives to protect and develop. We, the previous generation, went through a war phase, a phase of seeking peace, and we will continue to leave to the next generation to maintain peace and develop the country. Yesterday, I said in my meeting with the ICAPP leadership that “even if I die (and my soul) goes wherever, if the new generation lets the peace be damaged, I will not tolerate it. I will find a way, even if I am born as a ghost, to come back to settle the score with them.” […] starting a war is easy, but finding peace is difficult.

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Cambodia was fortunate that His Majesty the late King Father Norodom Sihanouk, the Father of National Independence, led the struggle for independence on 9 November 1953 and the nation-building for 16 years. Cambodian people benefited from independence and development, despite being disrupted by the Red, Blue and White Khmer armed rebels. At that time, Cambodia was peaceful but lacked stability, due to rebellious activities and bombings along the border with South Vietnam. As such, peace could only last for 16 years. Cambodia was once again engulfed in flames of war after the coup overthrowing His Majesty the late King Father on18 March 1970and the invasion by American and South Vietnamese troops. From what I have mentioned, we can tell that those who were born in my generation, did not have sufficient time to receive education and enjoy our youth. Instead, we became hostages of war again and again, and were left with no other choices.

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I would like to emphasize that our generation had no third option to choose from. If one were not on the side of the coup plotters, then one had to be on the side of the resistance.

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The beginning of our tragedy started from the coup overthrowing His Majesty the late King Father Norodom Sihanouk in 1970. At that time, tens of thousands of patriotic youths and I decided to join the resistance forces in the jungle at the call of His Majesty the late King Father. However, the dream of liberating the nation from foreign domination under the Lon Nol regime on 17 April 1975, was replaced by a bloodshed tragedy under the leadership of extremist ideologue Khmer Rouge, which sought to turn Cambodia into a pure communist country, by completely eradicating all social classes, slaughtering the rich and the educated, and destroying all social and economic infrastructure. In just three years, eight months and twenty days, the Khmer Rouge killed more than three million innocent Cambodians. 

Unable to bear the atrocities of the Pol Pot regime and unwilling to sit idly by as the Khmer nation collapsed, I, then serving as a Battalion Commander controlling and commanding over 2,000 soldiers, decided to flee to Vietnam and risk my life as a last resort to liberate the nation from Pol Pot genocidal regime. On the night of 20 June 1977, four comrades and I left a military post in Koh Thmor village, Tonlong commune, Memot district, Tbong Khmum province in the eastern part of the country to cross the border into Vietnam. At that time, I had a few options to fight the Khmer Rouge, but I chose to cross into Vietnam to ask for their help in liberating the country. This choice undoubtedly stands as the best decision in the history for the survival of the Khmer nation. During such a dangerous time, I was determined that my path was not to seek safety solely for myself, but to help save the entire nation. Without a strong commitment and a clear plan for the nation, Vietnamese friends would not have trusted me and helped me build the armed force with​ around ten thousand Cambodian troops and build a political organization, namely the Kampuchean United Front for National Salvation, to hold the political flag, nor would they have been willing to send the Vietnamese volunteer troops to help Cambodia.

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(2) Four options in the fight against the Khmer Rouge

I should say a little about this. I had a choice to make. I would like to draw the attention of the translator here. The unit that I refer to means a regiment. Be careful not to mistranslate. When I was the commander of a regiment with up to 2,000 soldiers, I had four options at that time. First, I could command the troops I had to fight the Khmer Rouge. But this was not a good option. We could control some areas for only a short time, which I think was only three weeks, and it would end in a bloodshed. The second option was to withdraw and cross over to Vietnam to find a way to form a new national liberation struggle. The third option was to do nothing and let Pol Pot’s people kill us. The fourth option was to commit suicide.

(3) Go to Vietnam to seek a new beginning for the liberation of the country

Finally, I decided to choose the second option, which was to go to Vietnam. In the past, history had bound the countries in the Indochina framework, and the French colonialism had also been imposed here. At that time, Cambodia, Vietnam, and Laos had also fought against the French colonialism together. When the United States invaded these three countries, we also joined forces to resist the invasion. Even more surprisingly, when Lon Nol staged a coup to overthrow Prince Norodom Sihanouk, Lon Nol had also called in the American and South Vietnamese troops to help. In light of all these, I had hope. Even though I had only 1% of my life left, I decided to leave for Vietnam to seek a new beginning for the liberation of the country.

(4) Immediately prevent Vietnam from sending Cambodian refugees back to the Khmer Rouge

There must have been a specific plan. If I had no specific plan, Vietnam would not have been able to help me. I should have clarified a little about Vietnam’s role in liberating Cambodia at that time. At least when I went to Vietnam, I was able to immediately prevent the Cambodian people who (fled the Khmer Rouge regime) crossing into Vietnam at that time from being sent back by Vietnam to the Khmer Rouge. When I arrived, I proposed that Vietnam stop sending Cambodians back to Pol Pot because Pol Pot killed them at the border. I thank the Communist Party of Vietnam and the Government of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam for accepting the proposal and not sending Cambodian citizens who had fled to Vietnam to Pol Pot. At least I did this, which saved many lives under the circumstances.

(5) Five requests submitted to the Vietnamese leaders

Please note that, based on the principles of respecting independence, sovereignty, and non-interference in each other’s internal affairs, Vietnam did not immediately accept to offer help […] I did mention the requests (I made to) Vietnam when I arrived. (The five points I requested were) to ask Vietnam – 1. not to send back Cambodians and let them become refugees in Vietnam; 2. to offer political asylum for cadres and fighters who fled to Vietnam from Cambodia; 3. to help Cambodia build an armed force to liberate the country; 4. to select refugees who fled to Vietnam to join the armed force; and 5. to arrange for us to meet with other resistance groups. At that time, Vietnam stood on the principles of respecting independence, sovereignty, and non-interference in Cambodia’s internal affairs.

(6) Vietnam decided to help build armed forces for Cambodian national liberation

The Vietnamese leadership did not approve my request. Later, Pol Pot’s people attacked Vietnam. I told the Vietnamese leaders and the Vietnamese army leaders that Pol Pot would attack at this or that point. They did not believe it. Therefore, when the Khmer Rouge attacked Vietnam, there was serious damage and many people died. Later, the Vietnamese leader, the Chief of the General Staff of the Vietnamese Army, said to me, “If Vietnam were to believe you, Vietnam would be prepared, and maybe the Vietnamese people would not be in such danger.” Vietnam clearly saw the emergency situation, not only for Vietnam but also for Cambodia. Therefore, Vietnam decided to help me build up armed forces for the Cambodian national liberation, which at that time was about 10,000 soldiers, 23 battalions, and 100 armed operations groups, entering the country.

(7) Two forces – the Cambodian army and the Vietnamese volunteer army, to liberate Cambodia from the Khmer Rouge regime

I would like to emphasize that when the resistance movement began, I was only 25 years old and was the highest leader at that time. But 10,000 people could not defeat the Khmer Rouge army, which numbered 180,000. So, as a last resort, Vietnam was willing to provide military assistance to liberate Cambodia. Hence, liberating Cambodia from the Khmer Rouge regime requires using two forces together – the Cambodian army, although small, but we have a political organization and a military organization of our own, and the support of the Vietnamese volunteer army.

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At this juncture, I would like to express once again my deep and lasting gratitude to Vietnam, and especially the Vietnamese volunteer troops, for sacrificing their lives to liberate Cambodia from the clutches of the Pol Pot genocidal regime. And according to historical records, Vietnamese friends have always thanked Cambodia for helping support Vietnamese friends in national and territorial unification, ensuring the latter’s sovereignty and independence.

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The Vietnamese leaders often raise this point, and then Prince Norodom Sihanouk once said that “he helped Vietnam so much that someone launched a coup detat to overthrew him.” Well, this is a tradition, an objective factor that happened in the past. Lon Nol could call in the US army, the South Vietnamese troops (for help). At that time Vietnam was not yet united. The then North Vietnam supported and recognized the current borders of Cambodia, and South Vietnam was with the US in bombing and invading Cambodia.

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Following the liberation on 7 January 1979, we faced the immense challenge of rebuilding the country with bare hands. On the one hand, we had to protect against the potential return of the Khmer Rouge regime and ensure the safety of our people. On the other hand, we must strive to find and provide food for our starving people, erect national governing institutions, and revive the economy at a time when our human resources had been almost decimated. Not only was the domestic situation, even the international situation was also unfavorable to us. The international community did not recognize the government which liberated the nation, and Cambodia’s seat at the United Nations was occupied by the Khmer Rouge for 12 years, during which we had to endure unjust diplomatic and economic sanctions. As the Minister of Foreign Affairs at the age of 27, I was truly in pain and haven’t forgotten about it yet!

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(8) When Lon Nol occupied the seat at the UN, they said he controlled the capital; when the PRK controlled the capital, it was denied the seat

As a former foreign minister, I was only 27 years old at the time. I had suffered a lot to this day. I should emphasize that there is no standard, as I said at the ICAPP meeting. In 1970-1975, the Cambodian seat at the UN was controlled by the Lon Nol regime, on the grounds that Lon Nol occupied the capital. This is how it was interpreted. In 1979-1991, we (the People’s Republic of Kampuchea) fought to seize the seat at the UN, but it was interpreted that our government was illegitimate. In the past, it was said that the one occupied the capital is the one to have the seat at the UN. When Lon Nol carried out an illegal coup, Lon Nol was considered legitimate at the UN. This is a lesson that still requires a specific interpretation because they always interpret it according to their power and their wish that lacks integrity or the responsible behavior of as a superpower. Even though it is a story that had happened in the past for a long time, we cannot forget it. We cannot change the past, but the past is an experience for us in the present and future.

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When becoming the Prime Minister of Cambodia in 1985, I was only 32 years old and was the youngest Prime Minister in the world at that time. Immediately after assuming the position of Prime Minister, I declared that no military approach would resolve Cambodia’s conflicts and the sole route to peace for Cambodia was through negotiations and political solutions among Cambodians. It is in this spirit that I issued a five-point declaration in October 1987, to solve Cambodia’s issues, namely:

1). Organize a Sihanouk-Hun Sen Meeting;

2). Complete the withdrawal of Vietnamese troops from Cambodia, along with the cessation of all aid and support to the forces of the Coalition Government of Democratic Kampuchea;

3). Organize an election with international observers to form a coalition government that adheres to the principles of neutrality and non-alignment;

4). Negotiate with Thailand to establish a safe and peaceful border and arrange for the voluntary repatriation of refugees; and

5). Organize an international conference to ensure the impending agreement with the participation of both governments (Coalition Government of Democratic Kampuchea and the People’s Republic of Kampuchea), the five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council, Vietnam, India, and other countries.

At this point, I would like to elaborate on a historical fact that I was the first person to express desire to meet with Majesty the late King Father Norodom Sihanouk backed by the above principle points as a basis for continued negotiations to find peace. With this in mind, I was the sole driving force behind the first meeting which we called the “Sihanouk-Hun Sen Meeting” on 2 December 1987 in Fère-en-Tardenois, France, which paved the way for the true negotiation process towards a final political solution through the signing of the Agreements on the Comprehensive Political Settlement of the Cambodia Conflict or Paris Agreements on 23 October 1991, which was achieved through the will and true patriotic spirit of His Majesty the late King Father Norodom Sihanouk and myself, Hun Sen;  this year 2024 marks the 33rd anniversary of the Paris Peace Agreement.

Before reaching the conclusion of the signing of the Paris Peace Agreements, we had worked hard on those core tasks, which were fundamental, essential and indispensable. Of course, many countries had helped us and provided full support to Cambodia in the negotiation process, which lasted almost four years. For instance, France and Indonesia played an important role as co-chairs of the Paris Conference on Cambodia, when many of our discussions were held there. Meanwhile, Australia pushed its initiative to place Cambodia temporarily under UN supervision during the transition period. France and Japan, while contributing to the peace agreements, had broadly supported Cambodia’s reconstruction and development efforts. Similarly, Thailand had largely aided these efforts and supported the repatriation of over 370,000 Cambodian refugees. Vietnam, with the complete withdrawal of its troops in 1989, also helped clear the stumbling blocks in the negotiations regarding the future of the Khmer Rouge and the presence of foreign troops.

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(9) Vietnamese troops withdrew, clearing the international aspect of Cambodian problem and accelerating the momentum at the negotiating table

Let me emphasize this point a little. When I became Prime Minister, I was still holding the position of Minister of Foreign Affairs. At the end of 1985, there was a meeting of Foreign Ministers in Hanoi at which I was both the Prime Minister and the Minister of Foreign Affairs. Vietnam was represented by His Excellency Nguyen Co Thach, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs. Laos was represented by His Excellency Phoun Sipaseuth, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs. At that time, we announced that we would withdraw Vietnamese troops completely within five to ten years. If we followed this approach, the Vietnamese troops would be completely withdrawn by 1990 or by 1995, which is a five to ten years timeframe. However, Cambodia itself had tried to build up forces quickly to replace the role of the Vietnamese troops.

Finally, Vietnam withdrew its troops in September 1989, which gave the opportunity to resolve its international aspect of the Cambodian problems. I would like to emphasize that the Cambodian problem has two aspects – the international aspect and the internal aspect. When the Vietnamese troops withdrew from Cambodia, the international aspect was resolved. The remaining issues were the future of the Khmer Rouge and the use of other countries’ territory and the provision of military assistance from other countries to the opposition forces. It was part of increasing the weight of the negotiations. Earlier, there were talks of the Vietnamese troops, but when the Vietnamese troops left, my negotiations were carried out with great momentum at the negotiating table.

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While I recall that it was the friendly nations in the international community that assisted us in forming the basis of the negotiation process, what was more important was that we, the Khmer people, initiated and put efforts to establish the Supreme National Council (SNC) for Cambodia. As evidence, during the second “Sihanouk-Hun Sen meeting” in Saint Germain-en-Laye in 1988, I initiated the establishment of a High-Level National Unification Council, which was discussed again at the First Jakarta Informal Meeting (JIM I), although no agreement was reached at that time. Then, in March 1990, with the support of General Chavalit Yongchaiyudh, an agreement to establish a “Supreme National Council” was signed, simply changing the title from “High Council for National Reunification” to “Supreme National Council”.

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His Excellency Chavalit Yongchaiyut was then Deputy Prime Minister. After serving as Commander-in-Chief of the Army, he served as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defense of Thailand. He helped to organize the meeting between me and King Norodom Sihanouk.

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A formal agreement between the two parties, the State of Cambodia and the Tripartite Group, adopted the formula “6 + 6” or “6 + 2 + 2 + 2 = 12”, and was signed in Tokyo, thank to the support from Japan as the host country and participation by General Chavalit Yongchaiyudh. However, the composition of the SNC was later determined at a meeting in Jakarta, Indonesia, while the first SNC meeting was held at the Embassy of the Kingdom of Cambodia in Bangkok, led by the Dean Chao Sen Kosal, known as “Chhum”. This was one of the most important episodes of the negotiation process, demonstrating Cambodia’s willingness, activeness, and proactiveness in seeking to build and secure peace for the nation, despite the challenging circumstances.

Referring to the Paris Peace Agreements, it was clearly a significant and positive turning point in the history of Cambodia. As a result of these agreements, Cambodia was able to restore its relations with the international community and the Royal Government, established through elections organized by the United Nations Transitional Authority in Cambodia (UNTAC), also regained its seat at the United Nations. This agreement enabled Cambodia to adopt a new constitution in 1993 that embraced the constitutional monarchy, multi-party liberal democracy and free market economy. Cambodia always recognizes and feels a deep sense of gratitude to the international community for its efforts to bring peace to Cambodia within the framework of the United Nations and for being our friends. We must also do justice and show our gratitude to the Vietnamese leaders of the time for helping to establish the Cambodian army and being willing to send their volunteer troops to help liberate Cambodia from the genocidal regime of Pol Pot. The withdrawal of all their troops from Cambodia in 1989 had also opened the way for the advancement of negotiations, which were then blocked by questions of the future of the Khmer Rouge and the presence of foreign troops.

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(10) The Khmer Rouge trial means that “Cambodia really had a genocidal regime”

Let me highlight a historical fact that should not be ignored. It is true. What does the Khmer Rouge trial mean? It means that Cambodia really had a genocidal regime, that is why the Khmer Rouge trial was held. So, we must not do the math of one minus one equals zero. They condemned both the Khmer Rouge and those who attacked the Khmer Rouge. Is it fair for us? They recognized that there was a genocidal regime. If there was a genocidal regime, should we let the genocidal regime continue or overthrow it? Why did the allied forces attack Hitler? It was to prevent the fascist Hitler from invading everyone. The United States decided to drop the atom bomb on Japan to prevent Japanese militarism from continuing its invasion.

Why Cambodia couldn’t do something to save the people’s lives by overthrowing the Khmer Rouge regime with both Cambodian and Vietnamese forces? At that time, it was clear that we had to accept the fact that American troops were in Japan, in South Korea, in the Philippines, and in Thailand. Why could they do it, why couldn’t Cambodia do it? Are we willing to let people die? If we don’t liberate them within that time, just one more year, the Cambodian people would have been massacred, almost without a single person left. This is a true story in our history. However, this is just what we have gone through.

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Nevertheless, with many positive outcomes, UNTAC had left Cambodia without fulfilling its mission completely. Despite the Paris Agreement, the Khmer Rouge did not comply, and the United Nations also failed to force the Khmer Rouge to disarm and participate in the democratic process. In other words, the ultimate goal of achieving complete peace, as outlined in the agreements, was not realized. Even after elections and the establishment of the Royal Government in 1993, civil war continued, with Cambodia experiencing controlled areas divided between the Royal Government and the Khmer Rouge.

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(11) “Failure is like an orphan; while success has many fathers”

I would like to point out that after spending US$ 2 billion, UNTAC left Cambodia, leaving Cambodia still mired in war. As my friend from Japan wrote in the preface of one of his books – “failure is like an orphan, success has many fathers.” It is absolutely true. When it is a failure, everyone kept quiet. But when it is a success, many come out and claim the achievements. Even the key role of Prince Norodom Sihanouk is forgotten. (Like the Paris Peace Agreement on) October 23, I don’t know where have those who claimed to be teachers coming from. Please note that some of the countries that signed at the same time (for the UN operation) are still mired in war.

(12) Without Prince Norodom Sihanouk, the United Nations might still be in trouble

In Cambodia, the United Nations withdrew. The United Nations should be grateful to then Prince Norodom Sihanouk, the Father of the Cambodian Nation. Without him, by this time, the United Nations might still be in trouble. However, the role of the Father of the Nation, Prince Norodom Sihanouk, was respected by the political parties that had seats in the Constituent Assembly at that time, so we created a better situation allowing for the withdrawal of the United Nations from Cambodia. However, as I have stated, the war did not end with (the withdrawal of) UNTAC. UNTAC withdrew, leaving Cambodia with a situation of tiger skin where there were wars in some parts of the country, and especially on the Cambodian-Thai border, and there was an attempt to print the money by the government of Democratic Kampuchea.

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It was at this point that I initiated the Win-Win Policy and negotiations between Khmer and Khmer in 1996 to unite and integrate all parties into a single government, single legal system, and single armed force, laying a solid foundation for lasting peace, national reconciliation, and national development.

This policy successfully ended more than three decades of civil war without a single bullet, through the peaceful integration and dissolution of the Khmer Rouge political organization, as laid out in the Divide, Isolate, Finish, Integrate, and Development (DIFID) strategy.

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(13) Win-win politics assured three guarantees

Then we put forward three guarantees to implement the win-win politics. First, we guarantee their lives and bodies. Second, we guarantee their careers and occupations. Third, we guarantee their property. At this point, I should mention one of my colleagues, General Samdech Pichey Sena Tea Banh, whom I kept thinking that without him, I would not be sure if the process would be successful. I was the one who initiated the idea and led it directly, but there had to be someone to lead it in action. This is important. Not everyone just believes it. If this is not guaranteed, (Cambodia would have faced) danger and the war would not be over yet. I should also say that we also had a wrong idea, but we had to correct it. The generals came to my house (and) asked me to adjust the positions of the army because the breakaway areas were full of Khmer Rouge units.

Well, the Chief of Staff, the Deputy Chief of Staff came to see me, who was then the Prime Minister and the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, and said, “there must be adjustments to allow some divisions to station in Kandal, Takeo, Kampot, Svay Rieng, Prey Veng, Kampong Cham, the provinces below. If not, when there is an armed rebellion again, we will not be able to control it.” I told those generals – “we cannot do it.” First, if we take these brothers away from their place to the provinces below, it is equivalent to breaking the third promise about recognizing ownership. They have land there, and second, where do we find land in the provinces below for them? It would be difficult.

I pointed out to the generals – “what’s more important here is that if we leave them where they are, and if those brother rebel again, the war will be in the same area – no more and no less.” But if you stationed them in the provinces below, if the war breaks out again, it will break out all over the country and cannot be controlled. The point here is related to both political issues and the military aspect.

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I issued the “Three Guarantees” for members of the Khmer Rouge, who no longer wanted to see bloodshed among Cambodians and were willing to surrender to live in a society, where there were no winners or losers, but all Cambodians emerged as winners with the long-awaited peace. I, for the second time, had put my own life at stake to pursue the negotiations and promote the implementation of the Win-Win Policy, until we achieved complete success on 29 December 1998, when the Khmer Rouge’s political and military organization was dissolved. The success of the Win-Win Policy has given Cambodia complete peace, unity of the armed forces, and complete control over its territorial integrity, which is one of the greatest social achievements we have ever experienced in the last 500 years of our history, as in the past, we were always a country with at least two dominions at the same time.

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(14) Win-win politics has provided the longest peace in Cambodia’s last 500 years of history

I am ashamed to say this, but we should not hide our painful past. In its recent past 500 years of history, to mention only from King Ponhea Yaat in 1470, at the Chadomuk era, one could ask a question did Cambodia have peace? Cambodia had always had many controlled areas, no less than two at a time. But the win-win politics has given Cambodia the opportunity to have peace for nearly 27 years now. It is the longest peace in its last 500 years of history.

In the era of the popular socialist of Samdech Preah Norodom Sihanouk, counting from 1953 or 1954 to 1955 […] after the departure (of the colonial force), the disarmament started and the country prepared for the 1955 elections. There was peace then for only 16 years. In those 16 years, there were also disturbances by the Khmer Rouge, the Khmer Blue, the Khmer White, and the bombing by the United States and South Vietnam along the border. But for the peace that we have achieved for almost 27 years now, there is no division of territory, no remaining armed groups, there is one king, one Constitution, one parliament, one government, and a unified armed force. It is true that we have many political parties, but we no longer have armed conflicts.

For Cambodia, peace is something to protect. Don’t talk about anything else. Before talking about anything else, we must talk about peace. Without peace, nothing can be done. We have suffered more than enough. We don’t need any war in Cambodia. So, we are asking our foreign friends to understand. When Hun Sen used an iron fist to control the situation, to prevent a color revolution, it was only to ensure the peace for the Cambodian people. We must not ignore the issue of peace.

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I have also reflected carefully on the importance of delivering justice for the Cambodian people, especially “justice for the dead victims and peace for the survivors” as a vital step towards national reconciliation in the aftermath of the conflict. This is exemplified by the establishment of the first international hybrid tribunal, known as Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia (ECCC), with the collaboration with the UN, to bring to trial the five senior leaders of the Khmer Rouge for their atrocities and crimes against humanity, holding them accountable to both the world and national history.

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(15) “Willing to let the courts fail, but not to let Cambodia go back to war”

As I said at the ICAPP meeting the other day, our partners (in the Khmer Rouge tribunal wished to) have more cases as far as involving our King, the President of the National Assembly, the President of the Senate, and other leaders in the court and opening up widespread prosecutions. I told the then former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon – “I am willing to let the courts fail, but I am not going to let Cambodia go back to war.” They have always been are biased. Sometimes they support the Khmer Rouge, sometimes they support war, and then they demand prosecution, without considering the relationship between war and peace, between justice and peace, and between justice and war. Some people only think about what they think, but they do not consider our real interests. That is why I always advise my colleagues and appeal to the Cambodian people – “no matter what, we must think that only we are the owners of the country. No one knows us better than us.” That is why we must dare to fight on issues that are in our interests, with cooperation and partnership with foreign countries.

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The extraordinary achievement of the ECCC was concluded and jointly announced by the Kingdom of Cambodia and the United Nations in December 2022. This set a landmark example of this type of international tribunals, in not only fostering social cohesion but also preventing retaliation and widespread resentment among people in the country.

Recently, there are not many examples of transitional justice on the international stage. Even Rwanda, which went through the genocide from 7 April 1994 to 19 July 1994, did not build a hybrid court as Cambodia did. Currently, we have more than 2 million pages of historical paper and digital documents stored at the National Library ready for any research related to the combat against genocide and crimes against humanity by all people, and academic researchers as well as other international justice institutions provided that they need reference on the Khmer Rouge Tribunal of Cambodia as a case model.

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(16) Jointly disseminate the most successful cases of the Khmer Rouge Tribunal

I would like to take this opportunity to call on the leaders who are invited to participate here to jointly create a wide dissemination by organizing the dissemination institutions that already exist in Cambodia. We can establish an academy […] and it is already stated in this charter. Hopefully, there will be contributions to be created according to the framework that we have experimented with, provide studies, and researchers and those who want to know about (the most successful cases of this kind of international tribunal, which not only reconciled society, but also prevented revenge and hatred in the country) can come to understand and study. There are more than 2 million pages. It is a lot. Then we can organize the dissemination of this matter.

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           Aside from the peacebuilding efforts, I also wish to remind that, despite accusations that Cambodia in the 1980s was ruled by a Communist regime with Vietnamese army in Cambodia to prevent the return of the Pol Pot Regime, Vietnam in fact respected Cambodia’s decisions in all areas relating to the governing of the country.

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(17) Hun Sen of Cambodia

I should say a little about this. I had been quite unfortunate. I went to Moscow, people called me a liberal. I never joined the delegations from the so-called socialist countries. I was always classified in the framework of the Third World or non-aligned countries to have a courtesy call on the leaders of the Soviet Union, because the Soviets said we were not socialists. When I went to France, they said I was a communist. In Moscow, they called me a liberal, and in Paris, they called me a communist. In the end, I said, call me whatever you want, but I am the Hun Sen of Cambodia. That’s the truth.

(18) Vietnam helped liberate and prevent from the Pol Pot regime, Cambodia made political, economic, and social decision

Regarding some accused us of being under the Vietnam’s control. Let me clarify. There is a Vietnamese leader here now. Vietnam came to Cambodia to help liberate Cambodia and help prevent the return of the Pol Pot regime, but the political, economic, and social decisions are made by Cambodia. I told the IMF, World Bank, ADB, and other development partners – “in the past, you accused us of being puppets of Vietnam. But back then, I had more freedom to make my decisions than now. Now, if I don’t follow you, you will cut off aid.” Then, you may ask His Excellency Tran Thanh Man, Vietnam was still cooperating even Cambodia at that time embarked on distribution land to the people, whereas Vietnam had not yet started its Doi Moi and the Soviets had not yet introduced Perestroika or Glasnost.

Up to this day, when borrowing money from the World Bank to build a school, the World Bank says – “they will only lend money for use as a scholarship.” We said to them, “Your Excellency, if I don’t even have a school, what can I do with the scholarship?” They just won’t let us borrow money […] some financial institutions and partners had forced me to sell the custom. You may ask the Vietnamese leaders. Were the Vietnamese leaders forcing me to do that? Vietnam still had cooperatives and shared produce. I distributed land to the people, embarking on land reform, and entered the market economy […]

(19) Embarking on political and economic reforms

Today, Cambodians will also watch the live broadcast from here. Some people are born after that era and may want to know about this issue. I think my lecture is compiled and prepared, but I am talking on many issued here. The transition from a planned economy to a market economy is not a very common issue. Let me tell you, how fragile is my life. In addition to going through the war […] with the Americans, South Vietnam and those supported by the Americans […] for which I went to 105 battlefields, was wounded five times, and lost one eye. I have bet my life to liberate the country, and again my head for peace through win-win politics. I had started reforms on two fronts. The political front is shifting from thinking only about fighting to negotiating and fighting, which is moving towards ending the war through negotiations. This is a big reform. The second big one is economic reform.

(20) Overcoming the three pressures to bring the country to a better state

There were three pressures that challenged me […] but fortunately, Hun Sen did not subdue. Hun Sen’s life was already fragile in the war, but it was even more fragile in politics. This reform caused three problems.

First, there was no understanding within our ranks. What is there to negotiate? That is why at that time, Tea Banh, who was transferred from the General Staff to Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Public Works, was brought in by me as Minister of National Defense. If the army does not support it, how can we negotiate? I transferred the position of Foreign Minister to another person, but this Foreign Minister could not manage the internal affairs and did not understand foreign affairs. I had to take back the position of Foreign Minister. Without internal understanding is very dangerous. So, I had to start from the bottom up making sure people benefit from the distribution of land and create a private economy to solve internal problems.

Second, the Vietnamese army was still in Cambodia. At a time when Vietnam had not yet undergone reforms, Cambodia had undergone reforms. This point indicates that Vietnam respected our decision.

Third, at that time, the Soviet Union and the CMEA countries were the ones who helped us. If the Soviets thought that Hun Sen had entered the stage of revisionism, they could simply tell Samdech Heng Samrin and Samdech Chea Sim that “if Hun Sen was allowed to continue to be the prime minister, the Soviets would stop providing aid” – Hun Sen would be dead. But fortunately, I did this job, negotiated and reformed the economy.

So, the three dangerous obstacles were like three arrows waiting to release at Hun Sen, but Hun Sen is still alive today and has contributed to bringing this country to a better situation.

[End of comment – 15]

The experience of post-war nation-building is a critical topic, as some countries, after a brief period of peace, often relapse into conflict due to the delayed economic and infrastructure recovery, inadequate education systems, and limited access to mental health treatment. For example, following the atrocities in Cambodia, over 70% of the population experienced mental health challenges. These issues were addressed through social protection measures, psychological education, religious guidance, and economic growth, particularly focusing on economic reform by transitioning from a planned economy to a market-based system. Cambodia faced the additional strain of widespread economic sanctions. Despite facing economic sanctions from all sides, the nation successfully resisted the resurgence of the genocidal regime and has continued to pursue bold reforms.

In the 1980s and 1990s, Cambodia’s economy was extremely fragile, with economic and infrastructure developments in the country heavily reliant on foreign aids. We persistently exerted considerable effort to drive forward domestic reforms, while simultaneously striving for Cambodia’s integration into regional and global economy. Under my leadership, the Royal Government of Cambodia effectively launched and implemented the Triangular Strategy from 1998 to 2003, followed by the four phases of the Rectangular Strategy from 2003 to 2023.

The Triangular Strategy emphasized three key priorities, including: 1). Pacification with the aim to maintain order, stability, security, and peacebuilding within the country; 2). Cambodia’s integration into the regional and international community, including international financial institutions, and normalization of Cambodia’s relationship with other countries to enhance exchanges of trade and investment; and 3). Socio-economic development, poverty reduction, governance, institutional and judicial reforms, and public sector management (To achieve success, our strategy and economic reforms are designed to be people-centered, focusing on expanding the middle class and reducing poverty.)

From the third to the sixth mandate, the Royal Government of Cambodia adopted and implemented the Rectangular Strategy to drive the “Royal Government of Economy” with the motto: “Royal Government of Growth, Employment, Equity, and Efficiency”. This strategy involved executing a comprehensive economic agenda to improve and build the capacity of public institutions, strengthen good governance, and modernize national economic infrastructure such as roads, railways, and air connectivity. The goal was to promote economic growth, create jobs for all citizens, ensure social equity, and enhance the efficiency of the public sector.

Alongside the promotion of the internal development, we had also advanced regional and international integration to create new opportunities for diplomatic relations, economic cooperation, and sustainable development. I led Cambodia into the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in 1999 and served as the ASEAN rotating chair three times in 2002, 2012, and 2022. Through ASEAN, Cambodia has gained tremendous benefits with various international partners, and we have established interwoven relationships through numerous bilateral and multilateral free trade agreements. Additionally, Cambodia successfully joined the World Trade Organization in 2004.

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[Start of comment – 16]

Let me clarify here a little bit. If Cambodia had not been stuck in the process of forming a government after the 2003 elections, Cambodia could have accession to the World Trade Organization since 2003. They already approved our membership, but we had not been able to ratify internally because the Cambodian opposition parties boycotted the meeting. At that time, we still applied the 2/3 majority system. We tried to arrange it to a 50+1 system to facilitate the process of government.

[End of comment – 16]

Through the formulation and effective implementation of the national development policy, Cambodia has remarkably transformed its status, if we compare to other countries emerging from wars around the same time as Cambodia. We have transformed from a poor and conflict-prone society to one with stability, peace, and security, where our people are beginning to reap the benefits of peace and development. The poverty rate was reduced to below 10% before the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, and we are on track to fully graduate from the status of a least developed country in 2029. Cambodia has transitioned from a country with severe revenue deficits and reliance on development partners for two-thirds of the national budget to a country capable of managing its national budget with strong ownership, and having financial reserves to protect the national economy and the livelihoods of its citizens against crises and disasters. We have moved from being an isolated nation under international sanctions into a nation deeply integrated into the region and the world, and capable of deploying peacekeeping forces and participating actively in peace initiatives both within and beyond the region.

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[Start of comment – 17]

(21) Rising from isolation to becoming an equal right and footing partner

I should emphasize that from being a foreign minister whom many avoided shaking hands, from a Prime Minister whom many avoided shaking hands to a Prime Minister who had been welcomed, I communicated with all the five permanent member powers. In 2022, world leaders, including three permanent members, came to the ASEAN meeting I this very building – China, the United States, and Russia. So, we have strived to rise from isolation to becoming an equal right and footing partner of cooperation.

[Ed of comment – 17]

Based on past achievements, the new Royal Government has laid out the Pentagonal Strategy as the agenda for Cambodia’s socio-economic development towards Economic Growth, Employment, Equity, Efficiency, and Sustainability. The strategy sets five key priorities: “People, Roads, Water, Electricity, and Technology ” and specifically emphasizes on human capital development.

[18]

[Start of comment – 18]

I apologize, Prime Minister, for bringing up the issue that is the government’s job. There is, however, no prohibition for me not to speak because it is a matter of the country.

[End of comment – 18]

This strategy envisions a 25-year timeframe, with five successive phases, and was reoriented and refined based on the actual domestic, regional, and global context, as well as lessons learned from previous policies. It aims to achieve the ultimate goal of nation-building, fulfilling the aspirations of the Cambodian people to transform Cambodia into a high-income country by 2050.

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[Start of comment – 19]

This is what I said internally when I met with the head of the delegation yesterday: Definitely, Cambodia will not fall into the middle-income country trap. We have gone from a low-income country to a lower-middle-income country, and will achieve the status of an upper-middle-income country by 2030, and then by 2050, we will become a high-income country. We have 25 years left to reach that goal.

[End of comment – 19]

Cambodia’s role as a model for peacekeeping force contributions has been internationally lauded under the United Nations framework, and our female peacekeepers have also been recognized. Up to the present, approximately 10,000 Cambodian troops have been dispatched across 10 countries. This reflects the nation’s commitment to fostering peace, promoting dialogue, building confidence in negotiations to end wars, and collaborating with our strategic partners in response to natural disasters, humanitarian crises, and other man-made phenomena. Building resilience in response to crises is a defining strength of the Cambodian people today. I hope that by fostering resilience in the economy, addressing climate change, and adapting to the evolving geopolitical environment within the global order, Cambodia can sustain its independence and sovereignty.

Although there are still several points that I wish to share, due to time constraints, I will now conclude the historical facts of Cambodia and proceed on to provide a brief summary of the fundamental lessons derived from our journey of peacebuilding and national reconciliation as follows:

1^st   Ownership of the nation’s destiny: A nation must have ownership of its national issues. When a nation loses ownership of its destiny, it becomes vulnerable to divisions and crises. Similarly, the pursuit of peace must originate from the citizens of the nation, and long-lasting solutions require participations from citizens and armed forces across all political spectrums before achieving national unity and a singular national armed force. Even though Cambodia received support from foreign friends and the United Nations, lasting peace cannot be attained unless it is initiated and actively pursued by Cambodia itself. This is the true essence of the Win-Win Policy, which was initiated by Cambodians, participated and implemented by Cambodians, and reaped benefits by Cambodians.

2^nd  The international community must work together and prioritize the preservation of existing peace, over seeking or building peace that has been lost. War is undoubtedly easy to ignite, but it took Cambodia 30 years to extinguish the flame of wars. We have experienced total peace for just 26 years, but it is the longest peace in the last 500 years of our history. It is unfortunate that we often receive criticism that we talk too much about peace and fuel the fear of war. A section of our younger generation has gradually taken peace for granted, underestimating it, with some even seeking to pursue a change of government through undemocratic means, even at the cost of sacrificing peace in the process. Such trends are dangerous, and all international communities must work together to prevent, condemn, and oppose this kind of extremist ideology. We must strive to educate our citizens about the value of peace, without which we cannot speak so romantically about human rights, democracy, and development.

3^rd   Even if peace is achieved, it will not endure without national unity, reconciliation, justice, and sustainable and inclusive development. With Cambodia’s experience, we must strive to find ways to ensure that peace could last and take deep root in the society, through national reconciliation and unity. I want to emphasize the importance of promoting the “Culture of Dialogue” in Cambodia’s political sphere, as our country has endured a cycle of brutal violence, frequent undemocratic regime changes, and relentless revenges. Even after Cambodia achieved full peace in 1998, I continued to practice this “Culture of Dialogue” with other political parties to foster harmony, strengthen national unity, and nurture democracy. We recognize that democracy is a management regime, respecting diversity and providing effective means of resolving and managing political dissent through votes, rather than through bullets, violence, or insurgency.

Today, Cambodia has many political parties, but Cambodia no longer has many armed groups. It is also noteworthy that violence during elections has disappeared completely from Cambodia’s politics, thanks to the success of the Win-Win Policy. This is a historical fact of Cambodian politics, reflecting the political maturity and progress of democracy in Cambodia.

(In this world, there is no standard definition of democracy; I generally understand that democracy must have peace as a precondition; when there is peace, we can enjoy freedoms, religions, infrastructure development, and freedom of expression within the laws, as well as regular elections. We respect the beliefs of the people, protect the private economy of the people while in tandem we enforce our laws, collecting revenues for the state, maintain macroeconomic stability, and expand the potentials of our human resources to reach their peak as a strong national defense pillar. This is the path of democracy that Cambodia has been travelling and the one that we will continue to take moving forward.)

Efforts to reduce poverty and promote comprehensive and inclusive development remain an essential policy to maintain lasting peace and stability. When a country experiences widespread poverty and many people are unemployed and uneducated, people are susceptible to extremist ideologies that seek to blame an institution or social group to express their anger. Therefore, this poses a significant challenge for developing countries, as they lack the magic to create immediate development in all sectors across the countries, as some people desire. For a nation with limited means and resources like developed countries, the government truly need the support and understanding of the general population regarding the pace of national development. At this point, I also want advanced countries to understand the difficulties of developing countries as well. We want to see support from our friends. We do not want to see interference into our internal affairs, by exploiting our limitations of institutional capacity and resources and provoking unrest among citizens and support extremist ideologies that aim to overthrow the government through undemocratic means. We ask for constructive support, rather than efforts to discredit, obstruct, or hinder our chosen path of development without consideration of values of peace, hardship, and the countless tragedies of the Cambodian people.

As I stated at the 76th UN General Assembly, history has repeatedly proven to us that interference, the worst form of which is through military means, to impose changes of political regime or other governance systems is not a solution. On the contrary, such actions often result in greater loss of life, human suffering, and the escalation of social and economic conflicts. Cambodia serves as a real-life example, having endured one of the worst and most unfortunate tragedies. In recent past and in the present, we have still witnessed external interference from certain countries. Recent events, such as those in Afghanistan and Bangladesh, are lessons to be learned on the significance of respect for the aspirations of each individual nation and the right of their people to self-determination. These lessons underscore the value of allowing nations to shape their own paths. Large and small countries possess unique characteristics shaped by their history, culture, traditions, way of life, and political systems. They should not be subjected to unilateral sanctions, prohibitions, economic measures, or other forms of coercion that violate international law and the principles outlined in the UN Charter.

As we speak, the world is experiencing shift in the global order, along with wars and conflicts in various regions, including the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine. No one can predict when this war will come to an end. Conflicts in the Middle East are complex, often taking the form of regional wars that could escalate into religious wars linked to the proxy wars of superpowers. Trade tensions between the United States and China, emerging neo-colonial conflicts in Africa between the white and black people, emerging threat of war on the Korean Peninsula, unresolved political and armed conflicts in Myanmar, and non-traditional security issues all constitute a grave threat to peace and development of both the region and the world. The results of the United States general election are likely to escalate geopolitical rivalries among superpowers, particularly the United States, China, and Russia, which can further exacerbate the above complications, and might possibly push beyond the geo-political war to the clashes of civilizations and a race for technological dominance. I am sure that all participants are aware of these issues from a variety of sources; some are true, and some are not; but they are all real threats that I will not elaborate further.

In conclusion, the Peace Charter: For People and the Planet is crucial for the future of Cambodia and its coming generations. It preserves the nation’s history and identity and safeguards the hard-earned legacy of peace that Cambodia has achieved. Every stage in our history—political regime changes, leadership transitions, ideological rivalries, internal struggles for power, and genocide—stands as a profound lesson for our miserable nation. These experiences have built our resilience in the face of historical crises when Cambodia tried to build peace, pursue national reconciliation, tolerance, and unity for the development and prosperity of Cambodian society. It is this resilience that helped us build the foundation for national transition towards modern technological era in an inclusive manner, and connect us with a new prosperous and lasting civilization.

I hope that today’s lecture will contribute to deepening the understanding of the values of peace and the difficulties in peacebuilding, national reconciliation, and unity, as well as preserving long-lasting peace, particularly in developing countries.

To conclude, I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to Excellencies, Ladies, and Gentlemen for attentively listening to my lecture, which I hope can serve as valuable input for building the “Peace Charter: For People and the Planet.” I trust that the five main pillars—(1) Conflict Prevention; (2) Peacebuilding Process and Good Offices; (3) Transitional Justice; (4) Post-conflict Reconstruction and Humanitarian and Disaster Response; and (5) Food Security and Sustainable Development in Response to Climate Change—will serve as invaluable assets for real actions aimed at promoting respect for international law, and that they can be adaptable for countries of different regions and of different national characteristics, putting the interests of the people first.

Peace Charter: For People and the Planet will be a public good that any nation can use, all people can participate, without any binding obligations, in accordance with the vision and objectives set out in the United Nations’ “Summit of the Future” in 2024.

Finally, I wish Samdech, Excellencies, Ladies, and Gentlemen good health, success in all your endeavors, and the best of luck, accompanied by the five gems of Buddha’s blessings, namely longevity, nobility, happiness, strength and wisdom./.

CMF: 23/11/2024

[2]

(1) In absence of religion, people no longer think about sin or the boundaries of virtue and morality

The Khmer history is perhaps the most unique. There was a period of three years, eight months, and 20 days (under the Democratic Kampuchea,) in which religion was abolished. Some countries have had restriction on this or that religious freedom in order for another religion to flourish. In Cambodia, within the said period, every religion was abolished altogether. We observe what were the people’s actions in the absence of religions? (People) no longer think about merit or sinful action, or about the boundaries of virtue and morality. The virtuous are no longer virtuous. As long as someone caught with action deemed to have betrayed the organization, that someone became the target of attack. There is no understanding and compassion. Sometimes we overlook the value of something when it is (in existence) every day, like air […]

(2) Three international meetings bring participants from 40 countries to talk about peace and national unification

This week, we have three major international meetings. The CDI meeting of the centrist parties, with members from hundreds of countries around the world, has just ended in Siem Reap. In Phnom Penh, this morning, the ICAPP congress, with more than 60 political parties from 40 participating countries is wrapping up. Tomorrow, there will be another meeting of parliamentarians, organized by the National Assembly. They all are covering the topics about peace and national unification. Why these important meetings choose Cambodia (as a meeting place). All the participants wanted to learn factors that make finding peace in Cambodia successful and sustainable. Some countries have had episodes of stopping fighting for a while, and then starting fighting again. There was a truce, and then the retaliation followed, creating anger again, and sometimes between different ethnic groups in the same country, who follow different religions, and/or different sects […]

(3) Win-win politics is charity, understanding, tolerance, and non-punishment

I can say that the win-win politics is based on the Buddhist/religious teaching. The implementation of the win-win politics is in fact the practice of charity, understanding, tolerance, and non-punishment – all of which are based on the Buddhist teaching […] which has created trust that assures no revenge. I told HE the President of ICAPP and his deputy that “the key is trust. The three policies (set out by the government) are on paper. Without trust and practical implementation, those policies cannot be (implemented)” […] in some places, I told them, people discovered pits with hundreds of thousands of bullets and rifles buried in the forest. They could be for nothing else but a retaliatory action if their returns in 1998 to the nation was not what they were promised […] (those concerns, however, did not arise because we have shown them the national) truth and understanding […]

(4) DIFID aims to separate Khmer Rouge political leaders from lower-level leaders

Samdech Techo has said (this morning) that before (the extraordinary chambers in the court of Cambodia or) the Khmer Rouge Tribunal took shape, there had been some tough debates, until which Samdech Techo took a clear position that he said “I am willing for this court to fail but not for the country to fall into war again” […] Samdech Techo’s DIFID strategy initially was to separate the (Khmer Rouge) political leaders from their lower-level leaders because when the lower-level came in to the government, the war was over. If the soldiers came in and stopped fighting, no matter how the political leaders shouted, they would not fight. However, if the soldiers’ leaders still fought, even if the political leaders did not order (to fight), they would still do it […] that is why we determined that only political leaders should be tried. We consider those at the lower level to be victims as well because they were carrying out orders […]

(5) Understanding is the dharma that comes from the cultivation of Buddhism

The war (in Cambodia) started because of the military coup in 1970 and ended because the Khmer Rouge (army) joined the Royal Cambodian Armed Force. Why is this? It is because of trust and the implementation of the policy of tolerance under this win-win politics. Favoring, not retaliating, not arresting their ranks and files, the commanders of the army, giving and maintaining their positions, losing no benefits, and even initiating development projects, including demining, into the reintegrated areas for them. What should we call this? If we talk about sins, about understanding each other, this is the dharma (that comes from) our cultivation (of Buddhism) […] giving dharma, saving, and not taking punishment for the past […] is important. Samdech Techo favored many people, including those who wanted his life […]

(6) As countries become more advanced, religion plays more important role

You may ask if having a religious belief would not make you a scientist. No, that is not true. The same is true for Buddhism […] take for instance soft skill theory (instructed by some) […] is consistent with the Buddhist teachings about mutual respect, hard work, not being arrogant, and competing with integrity […] which means that the success in this modern era is based on dharma, on religion that has been compiled for thousands of years. Human society has not changed much from the beginning to the present, but of course the materials and means have. The foundations of human society, like religion, remain the same […]

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(7) Tradition, culture, Buddhism and other religions can make a country modern and maintain its identity

Is there a contradiction between religion that has been compiled for thousands of years and science that is newly emerging and future-oriented? No, there is not. The important factor is knowing how to use it as a guide, a map to illuminate the path and define the boundaries of our journey. Would tradition, culture, Buddhism and other religions that have been compiled for thousands of years not bring us to become a modern country? It would. (Tradition, culture, Buddhism and other religions that have been compiled for thousands of years) can make us a modern country and maintain our identity. We are advancing and, in the globalization and modernization of society, making each generation more developed […]

(8) Without a restraining and guiding force, globalization can lead to the loss of national identity

Globalization can make the identity of each nation more and more blurred. Without a restraining and guiding force, from one generation to the next, it will become more and more exhausted. The question is, do people’s values ​​and mindsets change? […] there are two different cultures. In one culture, people think that in order to be successful, one must have a house, a family, a salary, and so on. It focuses on the individual and the material things for life. In another culture, they don’t value those things alone. They value that you have all these things, but you must have a family that lives together well, happy, and doesn’t fight […] the country must progress and develop, but it must also preserve its national identity as Khmer […]

(9) The decline in social values ​​and the drift away from culture and virtue is a danger that occurs in line with development

There are many influencers who do not need to do anything that goes against tradition and culture, and still maintain values [​​…] they can still be influential and can still observe boundaries. This is cultural, moral and religious education that plays a role in helping (preserve national identity) […] the other day, there was a shocking story on Facebook about a beer promotion in which some young women were wearing shorts […] the company’s boss said he contracted a company of young people in their 20s or so to do advertisements. Those young people researched concepts from other countries, and forgot that bringing such content to Cambodia would infringe upon the local cultural boundaries […] this is a danger that occurs in line with development: the decline in social values ​​and the drift away from culture and virtue from one generation to the next, if we do not (take action) […]

(10) Learning to gain knowledge but also to promote virtue and morality

(Social values) must be strengthened and promoted not only for the religious sector, but also for the national society to maintain identity. Development must be upheld, but it cannot be extending to the point where we lose all that identify us Khmer, while resorting to copying everything from others. In this regard, learning, constant care, is the determining factor for positive development […] learning knowledge is good, but we must also promote virtue and morality […] therefore, development and conservation go hand in hand. Conservation and education to introduce values ​​(of culture) are important tasks that I think Buddhism, as well as other religions (can participate in). In all religions, none teaches people to kill each other, not to help each other. They all teach people to have respect, love, and help each other […]

(11) No matter how advanced we are, people are still human beings

Religion is like a theory of living in society, to have harmony, to help each other, to respect each other. Religious education is a theory of philosophy, linked to faith, to history, so that we can continue to live in society. Even though buildings are modernized, cars are no longer driven by people, we are still human beings, we still need to live and depend on each other. We still need to do good deeds and need others to do good in return, to help us and we help them. when we encounter difficulties […] we must adhere to the Dharma. This is the basis of unity. Without this (Dhamma that leads to unity), the culture of maintaining peace and stability will be broken and will be destroyed again […] (the National Convention of the Buddhist Monks in 2024) today, even though it is in the Buddhist sphere, it has made a significant contribution to strengthening the secular world, especially in maintaining our identity as Khmer […]

(12) Politics must be based on truth according to the path of Dharma

For more than a year and a half, the new Royal Government has been determined to continue to maintain peace, national sovereignty, and territorial integrity, with major national achievements and maintaining economic stability, as well as preventing and defeating a series of evil schemes, especially in the area of ​​public security. Regarding integrity, those who know and still lie, is it a sin? […] some politicians lie to scare the people, even though they know about the CLV-DTA, still. Last night, there was this Funan Techo canal thing, where they lie to the people that the state has not got money to build it […] we broke ground on August 5 […] and some people cried out loud that their houses were demolished […] that we haven’t dug a spade yet, they said we ran out of money […] that people, who lack information, are worried, I could understand it […] whereas some politicians, who know clearly the issue, still scare the people. Don’t you know that intentionally lying to make people worry and break solidarity is a sin? […] Politics must be based on truth according to the path of Dharma […] politics must be done with integrity […]

(13) Practice religion with integrity, maintain security and order, and the feelings of the people and society

His Excellency the Chinese Ambassador here. They say that China does not give financial support to (the Funan Techo canal) […] I will help explain this matter so that the people can calm down a bit, and so that those liars are reprieved to a certain extent from their serious sins. I have been in a monkhood for 7 days […] I have learnt that there is no dharma that talks about cursing. However, some monks abroad, I have seen, who, wear the Buddhist robes, are cursing more severely than the common people. They curse […] it is my understanding that creating stories to bring false information to the common people, the Buddhist followers, intentionally causing them to have doubts and misunderstandings is inappropriate. The practice of religion includes speaking with integrity, helping to maintain security, order, and the feelings in the hearts of the people and society […]

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(14) Expanding new things, protecting what is there, protecting values, and protecting religious beliefs

I have linked the important role of Buddhist monks to educating society and educating youth. Monks play the role of teachers and role models in this technological age. Every activity is easy to share and to see. Seeing pictures of monks fighting each other somewhere […] actions and activities of each monk can have a huge impact on tens of thousands of monks in the country, as well as the religious sector as a whole […] we are not only expanding new things, but also protecting what we already have, protecting values, and protecting religious beliefs. Expansion is good, but the bigger it grows, the more difficult it is to control. The more people, the more difficult it is. We must increase training, education, and internal discipline management to help the entire religion […]./.

CNV: 22/11/2024

[1]

(1) The second host of the 12th ICAPP General Assembly

When ICAPP was established, I was like the sun that had not yet above the head. But now, after 24 years its birth, I am like the afternoon but not yet set. Hopefully, there will be at least three more 10 years so that we can see the wider world. Some 14 years ago, we already held a General Assembly. At that time, we used the government building to host it. This year, Cambodia has the opportunity to host it again at the headquarters of the Cambodian People’s Party. I thank the leaders of the political parties who are the ICAPP (International Conference of Asian Political Parties) family, as well as ICAPP partners, who support the Cambodian People’s Party to host the 12th General Assembly. I am proud of hosting the General Assembly, which Cambodia has had the opportunity to host twice out of the 12 Geneal Assemblies. In particular, for ASEAN, I myself had chaired the ASEAN Summits three times. So, it is not strange to participate in the ICAPP framework for two times. Hopefully, there will be a third and fourth.

[2]

(2) “I am willing to let the court fail but not let the country go back to war”

Let me say a little bit on this point. If Cambodia failed to control its sovereignty and internal affairs, we could have been doomed under the political agenda of the Khmer Rouge trial that did not take national reconciliation into consideration. They are biased towards the Khmer Rouge trial but not to peace. The sad point is that they created war in our country, they supported the Khmer Rouge at the United Nations, but when it came to the time for prosecution, they hastened us to prosecute (the Khmer Rouge), regardless of the consequences that could arise.

I told the former Secretary-General of the United Nations very clearly – “I am willing to let the court fail but I will not let my country go back to war.” We all may remember that for any foreign contribution, whether in the framework of a regional organization or even the United Nations, one must not forgo the ownership of one’s own country. Of course, we must meet the standards. But what are the standards? In this world, standards exist only in sports. There are no standards in politics, and there are none in other aspects. Only sports have real standards. Politics have no standards. From country to country, there are different ways of governing. This is a point I should emphasize.

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(3) Guaranteeing life, career, occupation, and ownership of property – core of win-win politics

Let me emphasize the core elements of the win-win politics that enabled the (rank and file of) the Khmer Rouge to trust and come together with the Royal Government. Firstly, we must guarantee their life. This means that they would surrender, only when they would not be killed, and would not be imprisoned. If we did not guarantee this, who would be willing to come and join us […] the second point is to guarantee their career and occupation. We had no fear to have done so. Those who were in the army would continue to do so. They just took off their Khmer Rouge uniform, put on the ones of the Royal Government, and apply the laws of the Royal Government.

Those forces become the forces of the Royal Government. Doctors would continue to be doctors. We dare to let the Khmer Rouge division-level units, both ranks and files, to take the responsibility to continue leading their forces. However, they must not implement the Khmer Rouge policies. They implement the policies of the Royal Government. This guarantees clearly that they would be able to come together with us. And thereafter, (3) guaranteeing ownership of their property, both real estate and movable property. These three guarantees were important components that drew all brothers and sisters to separate themselves from the Khmer Rouge and come back to live in national society […]

(4) Implement the DIFID strategy for the goal of peace and national unification

It is not an exaggeration that we used the 5-letter strategy – DIFID […] meaning – divide, isolate, finish, integrate, and develop (in the course of rooting out the Khmer Rouge). If we did not divide, would the Khmer Rouge be willing to be isolated? If the Khmer Rouge leaders were not isolated, they would still use their soldiers to fight us. I think it is not an exaggeration that we should do this for the goal of peace and national unification. In the world, no country has yet ended a war the way Cambodia did. After we completed the unification with the lower level, the upper-level leadership came to the Prime Minister’s house (to surrender) […]

These five letters laid the strategy that we implemented. To achieve the goal, we must have a method for solving problems. However, Cambodia’s experience is not enough to respond to the experience of other countries. It can be combined according to the actual situation. We do not have a theory that comes from anyone, but is a theory that was created by Cambodia itself and sincerely participated in by the Cambodian people themselves, all of whom we call operators. It’s not just Hun Sen. There’s Tea Banh, there’s Sar Kheng, there is everyone else, including the brothers and sisters – former Khmer Rouge rank and file, and supporters of the win-win policy – all of whom are operators of win-win politics.

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(5) Use every measure to prevent color revolutions from breaking up the country

Last night, in the Standing Committee meeting, I mentioned the experience of color revolutions, which can be carried out. Recently, they did it in Bangladesh, and they wanted to destroy Cambodia. However, it must be recognized that here we have been aware of the methods of color revolution groups. They do not carry out coups to overthrow the state anymore – but instead use color revolutions through the masses to overthrow (the state). Initially, they neutralize the armed forces and the civil administration. For us here, in order to prevent color revolutions, neutrality is allowed only between political parties, but not between the armed forces and the civil administration. They are instruments of the state. It cannot be neutral. That they cannot do anything. We must be wise in managing the situation, because it is the most critical point. Otherwise, blood would be shed and the country would be divided again. Therefore, we will not hesitate to use every measure to prevent color revolutions.

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(6) “Don’t make the third mistake in Cambodia, let us enjoy peace and build our country.”

This is regrettable. The democrats claim to respect human rights and democracy but instead support the coup of March 18, 1970. What does this mean? Countries that claim to respect human rights but instead support the Khmer Rouge’s to occupy the Cambodian seat at the United Nations. That is the reason why we always remind them – “Don’t make the third mistake in Cambodia, let us enjoy peace and build our country.” Whether they respect it or not, we must take responsibility for managing the situation to ensure our country’s further development./.

(4) There are groups diverting issue from Cambodia/Vietnam to Cambodia and Thailand regarding the sovereignty of Koh Kut

One issue that I would like to ask all the monks and fellow Cambodians to be aware of is that they (the opposition persons) are diverting the issue of Koh Kut from Cambodia/Vietnam, which could lead to a border conflict. In Thailand, there is also an extremist group that has created the Koh Kut issue. Now, in our country, extremists from abroad are calling for demonstrations to demand (the sovereignty on) Koh Kut. I would also like to see what our citizens think about it […]

(5) Is it about time to label this group terrorists?

Former Thai Prime Minister Chatichai Choonhavan came to see me at my house at the Independence Monument to discuss the issue of oil drilling in the overlapping area […] in 2001, we issued a memorandum of understanding, which has been in place for 23 years and has not been discussed in detail […] the fact that a group of opposition people angered Cambodians to demonstrate and force the government to take the matter to the International Court of Justice – is a pick on a painless wound […] is it about time for the government or the legislators to designate this group as terrorists […] this is an incitement that could lead to an outbreak of hostilities between Cambodia and Thailand, not just an internal Cambodian issue […]

(6) Extreme actions would lead to either internal problem or border conflict

I call on our citizens to allow the Royal Government to continue the negotiation with the Thai government. I hope that the extremists in Thailand will allow the Thai government to negotiate. What surprises me is that both the Thai side, the Thai extremists and the Khmer extremists taking refuge abroad say that I and Thaksin have been discussing about how to share the fruits […] I call on the citizens to remain calm and let the Royal Government work. If you push too far, the situation (will evolve) in such a way either to firstly, have an internal problem, for which the Royal Government does not allow the opposition to do thing they plan to, or secondly, have a problem at the border. I call on the army not to raise any noise about this problem and refrain from moving – both the navy and the land forces –in the area […]

(7) A few matters regarding Buddhist practices

I would like to come in and give my opinion regarding the so-called “slight delay” (in the appointment of the Supreme Patriarch) […] the Supreme Patriarch has passed away, so why has there not been one appointed yet? I am asking for your understanding to allow some time because there is no urgency (on this matter) […] only HM the King has the right to appoint at the request of the Prime Minister, while the Prime Minister and I have discussed it, but he leaves the matter to me – the President of the Supreme Council of HM the King, to give your opinion and I have requested for a delay […]

Secondly, I am requesting that the Ministry of Cults and Religion, as well as the Protocol department, reorganize the seating arrangement […] the current seating arrangement is being prepared according to title, not according to position […] today, the Venerable district head monk is seated in front of the provincial head monk […] I am asking the Ministry of Cults and Religion, and the Protocol department to reorganize it […] I am making a suggestion out loud here […]

Another thing… the Ministry of Cults and Religion should be working with monks and authorities regarding the fact that there are stupas in the monasteries. Fortunately, some monasteries can still accept stupas, but in the future, there will be no place to build stupas. Should we consider jointly buying land somewhere so that Buddhists can have a place to build stupas […] we need to think about those who cannot afford to build stupas […] some families who cannot afford to build stupas […] it is not like a mass grave like in the Pol Pot era, but a place for the poor to put the remains of their parents for whom they could go to the funeral […]

Another thing, I would like to take this chance to advise the Ministry of Cults and Religion to think about credible person to take over the ritual procession in the Royal Palace after the wiseman Kun’s retirement […] after the wiseman Kun, who could be the one to work in the Royal Palace? Have we been prepared? we must be ready for anything and everything […]

I am begging you, Buddhist monks, not to be jealous of each other […] the Venerable Chantmuni, I don’t know if he came today or not? He didn’t come. Why are there monks that are not happy with the Venerable Chantmuni? When many Buddhist followers like him, we all should be happy. What is the need to be jealous of him? Let’s be honest with each other. I really find it difficult to understand. Let’s not be jealous of each other about this person being influential, that person being popular, that person being unpopular […]

Where is Venerable Hak Sieng Hai? Please continue to help with literature, as you always go live on social media to teach Khmer literature […] the other day, I saw the Venerable Hak Siang Hai (I called him Lok Kon) and the Venerable Chantmoni walking together looking around in the compound of the pagoda. I am so happy that they walk together in the pagoda looking at the trees, the school, etc. […]./.

CMF: 21/11/2024

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(1) Sawn Stone – the first fruitful solution

The sawn stone sector – is the first solution that I have provided in my term as Prime Minister. In September 2023, I remember going to an exhibition in Nanning (China) […] a sister, who has now confirmed that she is the daughter of Oknha Leng Rithy, approached and whispered to me, “Samdech, maybe you could do something to help us in the sawn stone business. It is facing challenges and closure. Some factories have been closing down.” I asked her why? She said, “There are many problems like the post-COVID-19, and all, but some of the challenges are related to taxes. Our rates are high, plus some other complications” […] upon my return, I formed a committee and assigned the task to Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance – HE Aun Pornmoniroth, who appointed HE Keo Rattanak as the chairman of the committee mechanism to lead the urgent discussion. There was a strong negotiation over how to lower the tax rate […] I stepped in and offered my agreement to do it. Now, the momentum of the growth of the mining sector […] from September 2023 to September 2024, according to the ministry’s report, went from nearly crashing to growing four times this year, with increasing royalties too. It’s like taking money from the left pocket and putting it back in the right pocket […]

(2) Four factors that make the sawn stone sector successful

I am interested in four factors that make the sawn stone business successful. The first factor is that we had to dare to intervene […]; the second factor is that we have a clear, precise, and strict mechanism to monitor, implement, and help promote implementation […]; the third factor is that all officials must implement honestly and create no further burden on the sector. If we only remove customs rates, but if other relevant officials create a burden, it will still cause the business to fall […] The honest participation of officials in carrying out their duties creating an unnecessary burden helps the private sector on the sawn stone business […]; and the fourth factor is that the private sector itself must participate sincerely and harmoniously […] it must be honest with the state and pay taxes in full. The sawn stone sector has played this role […]

(3) Sawn stone sector is in fact one of the first prides

The sawn stone sector is in fact considered to be one of my prides. If one day, when I retire, I write a book about my experience (of leadership as Prime Minister), perhaps the sawn stone sector will be one of the sectors that I remember. In the meantime, I have also scored many more issues, where they are successes from monitoring mechanism, promoting implementation, working thoroughly and with flexibility, officials working together in honesty, not creating additional burdens, plus the private sector working together honestly […]; let us ensure that this mechanism work not for one year, and have problems next year. Should there be a problem, you can report it to me and I will take it as an urgent task immediately. If there is a problem related to the sawn stone sector, come to me […]

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(4) Stop granting, cancel licenses and downsizing mining operations in the Prey Lang and Kampot conservation areas, and export no construction stone products

I have given the unified principle to be implemented since the establishment of the Royal Government. Firstly, stop granting new mining licenses in the Prey Lang conservation area […], whereas the areas that already have licenses should be reduced because they have been kept without actions for too long […]; a few days ago, I decided to cancel a limestone resource industry license in Kampot Province […] and will keep this site as a place for religious affairs, eco-tourism and cultural tourism […]; and we are pleased to continue the correct policy of Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen, the former Prime Minister, who determined not to allow the export of construction stone products to save them for the future needs of our nation […]

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(5) Conservation and development must go hand in hand

I gave a principle to (the Minister of Mines and Energy,) HE Keo Rattanak (on) construction minerals. When building a road, we need stones. But let us not quarry every mountain just for every road we need to build. Of course, quarrying mountains for stones reduces the cost of construction, but (we should also study) the cost of damaging those mountains too […] we may be willing to pay a little more, but rather concentrate the quarrying for stone in one place. Don’t scatter it everywhere […] let us study the areas where stones can be extracted, how much we may need for the road, what areas to serve, where to take what resources to serve, for example. This is where we need to promote sustainable development. Conservation and development must go hand in hand […]

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(6) RCAF/Royal Cambodian Police strengthen explosives management for rock blasting with companies

Today, we have the presences of the Commander-in-Chiefs, the Commissioner-General of the National Police, the Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces. The management of explosives, especially rock blasting, is the issue that need to be absolutely managed […] we must work with companies to be responsible for explosives/dynamite management. Otherwise, it is dangerous. (It is) our national security. The private companies must cooperate and manage this work – both on-site maintenance and transportation, with the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces and the Royal Cambodian Police. They will help inspect, monitor, and look at the storage areas at the companies […]

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(7) Maritime boundaries to negotiate based on the spirit of protecting each other’s national interests

Now regarding issue of demanding and connecting technical and economic issues with politics from extremist groups in both the neighboring country and in Cambodia […] (let me remind that) during my official visit, I announced, with His Excellency the former Prime Minister of Thailand, Srettha Thavisin, at a press conference that “we are discussing the matter.” This is not a new thing. We negotiated from 1995 to 2001 and issued an MOU and have continued to negotiate for economic benefits, and we have not given up the right to negotiate the border issues. Regarding borders, the (Cambodia-Thailand General) Border Committee works on it, and regarding the economy, we negotiate to share the benefits […] no one has ever demarcated the water boundary in that area, since the French era. Though they have demarcated the land boundary. We are trying to negotiate the boundary so that in the future the people of the two countries can live and know where Cambodia’s sovereignty is, where Thailand’s sovereignty is, and where people can open channels to increase their relations. Regarding maritime boundaries, we negotiate based on the spirit of protecting each other’s national interests […]

As far as the OCA (overlapping claim area) issue is concerned, it has nothing to do with losing territory. Politicians should not mix politics with technical issues. The border is resolved based on the law and border technology. When politics is brought up on Facebook, it becomes a different matter […] we are still negotiating. Until we sign an MOU or there is an agreement, then we know where the border will be. We can go see for ourselves where it is lost and where it is left. If we still do not have an agreement, and we are still negotiating, how can we complain? Who should we sue to, and what should we sue for? This morning, Samdech Techo said, “A wound that does not hurt, they take a stick to pick it” […]

The government also loves the country […] let us leave the people of both countries have the benefits of living together. There is no choice to move the countries away from each other. We only have to the choice of strengthening cooperation. This morning, I accept in principle for the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, HE Sar Sokha, to negotiate opening the Stung Bot pass (with related Thai authroity) […] for (the trade flow) to continue (growing). That is what is called a cooperation. The two countries, the two people are together. The solution must be implemented according to the principle of non-violence, the principle of law, the principle of technology. Do not incite the people to hate the government, to oppose this country, go against that country, to incite people to fight each other […]

The maritime border has not yet been agreed upon, and we will continue to negotiate. Economic benefits that do not affect sovereignty, if possible, we will do it for the benefit of both our people […] some groups of people want to coo up a story, especially a nationalist one. This border issue is always used to inspire the people. During the water festival, they came out and talked about it again and again in order to gather and mobilize people to protest. As I said, the people did not listen to that. The people come to celebrate the water festival, and not to protest. The people need festive activities […]

Mr. Um Sam An (I did not reveal his name this morning) was a troublemaker […] in 2016, he was imprisoned for forging documents that said a treaty had been signed by Samdech Heng Samrin to dissolve the border between the two countries – Cambodia and Vietnam. In fact, there was no such document. They created fake documents and posted it in social media. He must be punished. In 2018, he asked to be released by writing (a letter of apology) to Samdech Techo […] now he is doing it again […] the DCM (Deputy Chief of Mission) of the US embassy did not come, did he? He (Um Sam An) accused me of corruption when I was admitted to the West Point. He said he was the one to take the exam but I was the one to be selected. May I remind him that this was a matter of American procedure, and he should be careful not to curse the Americans […]

As for his boss, he sits around and only mentions about the Bangladesh successful formula. I don’t care which country they are talking about, but they should monitor the situation […] he liked to create a movement abroad and did not recognize the elections […] now there is a desire to create another government in exile abroad. Is this legal in a democratic country? Whatever he and his people do, I am begging that they don’t come and incite action like what they did on August 18 – organized a violent uprising against the government. Please don’t use all this to incite the people to misunderstand the situation and push (for demonstrations) to burn down the country […]

What I am saying is to ensure harmony based on real information. Please do not promote fake news, incitement, and especially illegal activities like on August 18. Cambodia has been through 500 years of war […] and trying to bring politics into things like the OCA negotiations, border issues, etc., is dangerous. I appeal to the people to have a clear position, to understand clearly the reasons, and the government’s efforts to protect national interests. Whether the OCA negotiations are for economic benefits, protecting the territorial integrity of our waters and land, or promoting cooperation, developing the country, and good cooperation with friends – these are the good point of the government […]

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(8) Oil refining location consideration so as not to affect the environment and other potentials

If there is a petroleum refining operation in our country, it is good, but you must consider the location clearly, where to keep it for petroleum, petrol chemical, etc. Think about it. Don’t put it everywhere. Locate it near to the port, or near something else, etc. Otherwise, this or that person will ask to put it here and there and if we do it for a long time, after 20 years, all the places will be chemical sites, petroleum sites, what else will be left […] [lease evaluate for me what are the benefits and disadvantages of placing one there. How are we going to readjust it? […]

Now I am giving no more beer licenses. We already have seven of them. If it is produced for export abroad, I would consider, but if they do it for local market, I will not give them anymore […] we have to advise interested parties not to do that, it won’t work. We must dare to make them understand that our market is limited […] I advise thinking about car assembly factories. Now there are many. With this size of market, how many car assembly factories are needed? If we give licenses too many, those who already have them may not grow […] we have to make sure those who have (licensees) grow […]

I hope that this promotion (of oil refining plants) can be done. Promoting the production of more raw materials, not only in the energy sector, but in other industrial sectors, that I have recommended, needed to do more. Cambodia is not a place where all finished products are consumed, but we can have the ability to process raw materials […]

[9] 23 clean energy development projects with a total capacity of 5,950 megawatts approved

The Royal Government has approved 23 energy development projects with a total capacity of 5,950 megawatts […] currently, (we have) 62% of our energy from clean sources […] and will increase to 70% by 2030 […] standing 2nd in ASEAN […] in these 23 projects, we have solar, hydroelectric, wind, biomass, and energy storage projects […] for each project, we have negotiated the price (of energy production) to as low as possible. Even some world institutions say that it was not possible. For example, 3.8 cents for solar. In developed countries, it costs 6 cents. Unless the investment company agrees to produce and sell to EDC for 3.6 cents (they would not receive approval.) we negotiated for such a price so that EDC can distribute it further at a low price to the people […]

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(10) Energy-efficient technology and citizen consumption pattern help reduce energy consumption

Let us study new (energy-efficient) technologies to reduce costs […] private sector participation can import products and technologies that use less energy, plus citizen consumption (pattern). This is not just the government’s job. In order to reduce energy costs, citizens have to exercise thrifts to save money […] we work together to reduce consumption and energy, because if we reduce our use, and leave the rest for others, the total cost can be deducted […]

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(11) Draw more benefits from green energy sources

The Ministry of Environment reported to me the other day that we have this REDD+ project (Reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation in developing countries), and we sell and make about USD 6 million just in the three areas of the environment protection in Keo Seima, Pursat in the south and Phnom Kravanh, and in Prey Lang. We are studying 12 more places. All this money can be poured into the community […] I ask the Ministry of Economy and Finance, the relevant ministries, to help put a telescope to look for more places. Sometimes they are there, but we don’t know yet […] we play the role of a member country of the world that is proactive. Let us draw benefits back, especially from our participation in the dedication to protect the environment. In this, I see that the Ministry of Environment is doing a good job […] I hope that the Ministry of Mines and Energy is involved. That has to do with finance, the Green Finance thing […]

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(12) EV is no longer the future but the present

I have issued a policy that “hands over the installation of the power charging station to the Ministry of Mines and Energy. The Ministry of Public Works and Transport will look into matter of vehicle technical inspection […] the EV related policy is led by the Ministry of Mines and Energy […] I urge that both ministries and the relevant committees and institutions continue to move forward because EV is no longer the future. EV is now the present […] EV are coming in. They are being used in the city, and there must be a place to control them. There are policies that have been issued to control technical standards, which is important, in addition to the code. We are working on this. These points related to the energy sector are principles for the ministry to continue to lead its own prioritized sectors[…]./.

(9) Four coastal development efforts; more road and rail infrastructural developments

This year, we are laying out a plan for four coastal provinces, stemming from the Sihanoukville to promote industry. Sihanoukville is a multi-purpose development province, where industry and commerce are the foundations, which aim to expand the logistics special economic zone to promote more industry […] at the same time, as we promote tourism, we need to prepare the environment, set a big goal to promote more industry, commerce and technology in Sihanoukville. we need to expedite these goals in 2025, and start implementing our master plan […] the Ministry of Economy and Finance, the Ministry of Public Works and the Royal Railway Company are working on the negotiation to conclude the railway development plan to promote logistics.

As for the road system and the air system, we have the Siem Reap International Airport, which is not only a tourist airport, that we launched this year. Now it is the high season and the port is crowded. We want to it to do more. We are expanding National Road No. 6 to solve the travel problem on land. I have instructed studying another rail line. The first railway from the airport to the city has been studied but I suggest the study of another line, which is shorter, from the (Angkor) Kjung Yu road, only 13 kilometers from the existing road […]

(10) Four points for furthering self-development and improvement

I hope you will continue to improve your ability to be self-sufficient and develop a better future. Please continue to learn. (Firstly) Learn everywhere, learn from everyone, and learn from yourself […] there are two foundations to keep in mind regarding learning from yourself – (1) open up your mind that you are not perfect, and with that, set a goal that you need to be perfect in what you do […] if one thinks one is perfect, one does want to learn anything else and/or is not interested in improving and not setting a goal to improve oneself to be perfect […]; and secondly, the lessons you learn here in school are considered lessons in life. Big work can only succeed when small work succeeds […] Discipline is major. Foreigners call it SOP (Standard Operating Procedure) with a checklist […];

Thirdly, one has to have perseverance, persistence, as success takes time […] one has to develop oneself, and use the knowledge one has developed in line with the development of the country. Do not use your knowledge and skills to harm the interests of the country, and/or others […]; and fourthly, use knowledge in making decisions. As an intellectual or a student, everything you do must be thoughtful. We learn to be independent, right? We can research and make our own decisions because we are responsible for ourselves. Though we may take advice from others, but in the end, we are the ones who make our own decisions, and not relying on others to make decisions for us […]

(11) Koh Kut – mixing politics with technology would harm national interests

In the last few days, even on the occasion of the water festival, opposition politicians have not given us any peace. It is about the sea, the island Koh Kut. (They) say why the government has been so quiet. Some who called themselves analysts – including the one who shouted the loudest and who were once imprisoned for posting false information about the border making a promise six years ago that he would stop posting information that lacked consideration about the border anymore (but) now they are doing it again – say the government must have had itself implicated and does not dare to speak out (on the issue) […]

Please allow me to send a message to our compatriots […] the reason why the government does not speak out (about the Koh Kut issue) is based on – firstly, its political maturity and, secondly, its responsibility to the nation and people in protecting territorial integrity and national sovereignty […]

Regarding political maturity, there are three reasons – firstly, we adhere to the principle of not bringing fire into the house […] the opposition party or anti-government group (in Thailand) raises this issue to attack the Thai government […] alleging that the Thai government has lost Koh Kut to Cambodia […]; secondly, the government adheres to the official mechanism as a method of resolving the border issue, and not the Facebook or media mechanism […] based on the agreed mechanisms, such as […] the JBC – the Joint Land Border Affairs Committee, and the JTC, the Joint Technical Committee that negotiates on the border, demarcates the land border and delimits the sea border […]; and thirdly, we will be carrying out actions based on a pragmatic basis, which mean we must research the matter clearly and be practical […]

In particular, the maritime border has not been agreed upon yet. We have negotiated many times, but there is no agreement. If there is no agreement, what have we lost? They keep saying that (the government committed) treason (because Cambodia has) lost the island. What loss is there when there has no agreement yet? How can we sue this matter to the ICJ? If we did, they would ask what would be the matter be? There is no matter […] the Thai opposition group accuses the Thai government of losing Koh Kut to Cambodia. Now they (the Thai government) are arguing. Suddenly, in Cambodia, (the opposition) say that the Cambodian government lost Koh Kut to Thailand. Now let me or us ask, where did it go? There are only two acters here. Or were there a third actor, or did the island sink into the sea? Their accusations are illogical […] the border commission is still negotiating the OCA (overlapping claim areas) issue. I will not explain it this morning. I will leave the topic to the energy and mining annual conference this evening […]

[…] On the second reason, in addition to maturity, we have a responsibility to the nation. The border issue is a long-term issue that requires patience […] therefore, the Royal Government, firstly, is determined to absolutely protect the territorial integrity and national sovereignty of Cambodia […]; secondly, is committed to resolving the issue peacefully through technical mechanisms based on international law, including the use of international law on border delimitation, various treaties, and geographical border techniques […]; and thirdly, through the Secretary of State for Border Affairs, the government is prepared to negotiate […]; therefore, border negotiations take time and responsibility, and we are prepared at all times […] without allowing loss of territory or national sovereignty […]

(12) Some may have to retattoo the land area of Cambodia

Some people say if there is nothing secret, why the government doesn’t release documents and negotiation strategies? Listen to what they said it. It’s like a pure ignorance […] what should we do to maximize the benefits […] to get benefits that can be accepted by both sides […] some people have tattooed Cambodia’s land area of 181,035 square kilometers on their backs. Are there anyone tattooed here? If you do, you may have to change it […] in fact, some of the people have had their backs tattooed […] after the measurement, in 2012, our land area has been recorded a new figure of 181,436 square kilometers, and not counting the islands yet […] this document is not secret. Samdech Techo published thousands of copies and posted it when he did a presentation in National Assembly for 5 hours […]

(13) Using Koh Kut to incite failed because people understand and value stability

Whatever these politicians and/or analysts inside the country are doing, they must not incite protests like the one they did on August 18, aimed at overthrowing so and so. Seeing that some 20,000 boat crews are walking throughout the Phnom Penh city, they have had this idea to challenge them to protest (like what happened in Bangladesh). Their plan is when tens of thousands of people come to celebrate the boat festival, they use that time to hold a demonstration. They tried to talk about Koh Kut and all this nonsense, but they couldn’t […] they have failed because our citizens understand and value stability and the time when the country needs to be united. It is not the time to think about fighting each other for no reason. Don’t bring fire from outside to start it in and burn down your own house without any national benefit. I thank our citizens […]./.

CNV: 21/11/2024

(1) A dialectical connection between Buddhist and secular worlds

Please allow me to have a bracket here, I am leaving the role of being a royal representative here to be Hun Sen […] let me now turn to a separate speech, which is not a prepared one for the royal representative […] tomorrow, this morning and evening, and in the next few days, guests will come to our country […] I have spoken of the relationship between the Buddhist world and secular world […] as a dialectical connection that complements each other and cannot be avoided. It is not just the issue of the Buddhist and secular worlds. We can say that all religions, whether Buddhism, Islam, Christianity, or other religions, always have a relationship with state governance, and no religion teaches people to do wrong things […]

The kingdom must promote and make all religious sectors, especially Buddhism, prosper. As for the secular world, with the development of this religious sector, the secular world, frankly speaking, is the state that benefits in return from the knowledge of the citizens, the understanding of the citizens about doing good deeds. It is through those good deeds that the state can govern better, without the problems of violence or sins occurring in society. This is mutual fulfillment. Our Buddhist monks must see this. When the citizens are happy, there is progress in their lives, our Buddhist monks also have good alms, and they are making contributions to the construction of monasteries and sanctuaries […] whenever our people face difficulties, the monks also have difficulty finding food because the people need it too. This relationship is inseparable […]

(2) Win-win politics is possible because Cambodia has one ethnicity and a majority of them are Buddhists

Why is it easy for us to implement the win-win politics 27 years ago […] it is because of the ethnicity and religion factors. Some countries have not found a solution (to their conflicts) because their roots (of differences) are too deep between ethnicity and religion. Just look at the ASEAN countries, some cannot conduct politics in a peaceful way because their differences in ethnicity and religion. For us, the convenience is we are one Khmer, even though there are a small minority, we do not discriminate against each other. The majority of us are Buddhists […] I always remind people that the Cambodian experience is not a one-size-fits-all to be applied to other countries because they have different socio-economic conditions or ethnic and religious backgrounds. Fortunately, in Cambodia, Buddhism is the one big religion, and there is something called ethnic and religious harmony, which makes it easy to extinguish the fire of war that had been going on for hundreds of years […]

(3) CLV-DTA repealed to avoid being a national division

Yesterday, the National Assembly approved the repeal of the Law on Trade Facilitation in the Development Triangle Area – Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam (CLV-DTA). Only this agreement has legal binding force and needs to be ratified by the Parliament and the Royal Decree to be put into effect by HM the King, who will sign it today […] we do not want this issue to become a national division. Some citizens are being incited by ill-will circles and extremists. We are willing to give up the socio-economic benefits that have been widely supported, of whom Japan was the first. Then there are international organizations, international financial institutions and some other countries that come to help in those areas […]

(4) There are groups diverting issue from Cambodia/Vietnam to Cambodia and Thailand regarding the sovereignty of Koh Kut

One issue that I would like to ask all the monks and fellow Cambodians to be aware of is that they (the opposition persons) are diverting the issue of Koh Kut from Cambodia/Vietnam, which could lead to a border conflict. In Thailand, there is also an extremist group that has created the Koh Kut issue. Now, in our country, extremists from abroad are calling for demonstrations to demand (the sovereignty on) Koh Kut. I would also like to see what our citizens think about it […]

(5) Is it about time to label this group terrorists?

Former Thai Prime Minister Chatichai Choonhavan came to see me at my house at the Independence Monument to discuss the issue of oil drilling in the overlapping area […] in 2001, we issued a memorandum of understanding, which has been in place for 23 years and has not been discussed in detail […] the fact that a group of opposition people angered Cambodians to demonstrate and force the government to take the matter to the International Court of Justice – is a pick on a painless wound […] is it about time for the government or the legislators to designate this group as terrorists […] this is an incitement that could lead to an outbreak of hostilities between Cambodia and Thailand, not just an internal Cambodian issue […]

(6) Extreme actions would lead to either internal problem or border conflict

I call on our citizens to allow the Royal Government to continue the negotiation with the Thai government. I hope that the extremists in Thailand will allow the Thai government to negotiate. What surprises me is that both the Thai side, the Thai extremists and the Khmer extremists taking refuge abroad say that I and Thaksin have been discussing about how to share the fruits […] I call on the citizens to remain calm and let the Royal Government work. If you push too far, the situation (will evolve) in such a way either to firstly, have an internal problem, for which the Royal Government does not allow the opposition to do thing they plan to, or secondly, have a problem at the border. I call on the army not to raise any noise about this problem and refrain from moving – both the navy and the land forces –in the area […]

(7) A few matters regarding Buddhist practices

I would like to come in and give my opinion regarding the so-called “slight delay” (in the appointment of the Supreme Patriarch) […] the Supreme Patriarch has passed away, so why has there not been one appointed yet? I am asking for your understanding to allow some time because there is no urgency (on this matter) […] only HM the King has the right to appoint at the request of the Prime Minister, while the Prime Minister and I have discussed it, but he leaves the matter to me – the President of the Supreme Council of HM the King, to give your opinion and I have requested for a delay […]

Secondly, I am requesting that the Ministry of Cults and Religion, as well as the Protocol department, reorganize the seating arrangement […] the current seating arrangement is being prepared according to title, not according to position […] today, the Venerable district head monk is seated in front of the provincial head monk […] I am asking the Ministry of Cults and Religion, and the Protocol department to reorganize it […] I am making a suggestion out loud here […]

Another thing… the Ministry of Cults and Religion should be working with monks and authorities regarding the fact that there are stupas in the monasteries. Fortunately, some monasteries can still accept stupas, but in the future, there will be no place to build stupas. Should we consider jointly buying land somewhere so that Buddhists can have a place to build stupas […] we need to think about those who cannot afford to build stupas […] some families who cannot afford to build stupas […] it is not like a mass grave like in the Pol Pot era, but a place for the poor to put the remains of their parents for whom they could go to the funeral […]

Another thing, I would like to take this chance to advise the Ministry of Cults and Religion to think about credible person to take over the ritual procession in the Royal Palace after the wiseman Kun’s retirement […] after the wiseman Kun, who could be the one to work in the Royal Palace? Have we been prepared? we must be ready for anything and everything […]

I am begging you, Buddhist monks, not to be jealous of each other […] the Venerable Chantmuni, I don’t know if he came today or not? He didn’t come. Why are there monks that are not happy with the Venerable Chantmuni? When many Buddhist followers like him, we all should be happy. What is the need to be jealous of him? Let’s be honest with each other. I really find it difficult to understand. Let’s not be jealous of each other about this person being influential, that person being popular, that person being unpopular […]

Where is Venerable Hak Sieng Hai? Please continue to help with literature, as you always go live on social media to teach Khmer literature […] the other day, I saw the Venerable Hak Siang Hai (I called him Lok Kon) and the Venerable Chantmoni walking together looking around in the compound of the pagoda. I am so happy that they walk together in the pagoda looking at the trees, the school, etc. […]./.

CMF: 21/11/2024

[1]

(1) Promotion brings foreign tourists to the water festival

There has been a large number of (foreign) tourists coming (to enjoy) the water festival […] large planes from Singapore are full of tourists, many of them coming from Europe. They said they were coming to see the water festival in Cambodia, when asked […] the fact that many people (come to our country) means that there is a real appreciation and recognition of the stability and security in Cambodia, and which is still true […] now, an influencer (making content about something) can have millions of people watching it […] especially every person with a Facebook (or a social media access) is the owner of a television in his or her own right. Please help promote good things about Cambodia so that we all can benefit. When tourists come, investment also comes. This is promoting the truth. Let us promote our positive side […]

(2) With a positive direction, we can invest in learning and finish our studies

We talk about a positive perspective. From a pessimistic perspective, there are always obstacles, but they are not taken as things that obstruct us from reaching our goals in our optimistic perspective […] since we have set this positive direction, we can finish our studies. We set this positive future direction, and we invest in education, and finish our studies […] do not have too much negative energy. Let us have more positive energy […] the today’s graduation is a celebration of the success of setting a positive direction for all students. I would like to congratulate firstly the professors and teachers […]; secondly, thank and congratulate the administration and academic staff […]; and finally, not the least important figures are parents, family, and guardians. These figures together help you make today’s success […]

(3) Growing RUPP illustrated management’s commitment, flexibility, long-term vision

The Royal University of Phnom Penh (RUPP) reopened in 1988, through the transformation process from being a language training school into a university, which is now growing […] with continuing support from the students, RUPP has become the oldest university (in Cambodia). It was the first to open and the largest thanks to the support and participation of students and teachers. This has shown the commitment, flexibility, long-term vision, modernity of the school management, a good reputation at the regional and international levels, and modern infrastructure that has expanded to three more branches […]

(4) Quality ensures sustainability

There has never had any principle of exchanging this state universities (RUPP). I have not approved even the request to use the location of this state university to organize other institutions […] that fact that it grows more […] is a sign of continued support and recognition of quality (of this tertiary education institution), meaning that the school is doing a good job, the management and the professors are working well, with sophisticated, improving and modernizing equipment. We need quality. Quantity cannot give us sustainability. Quality ensures sustainability […]

(5) Investing in education is investing in the future

RUPP will have the ability to expand, and strengthen their capacity, not only to help provide support, but also to help build quality human resources for the nation […] investing in education is investing in the future, because we want for the country a better future, and more opportunities. Investment is based on a positive perspective. Investing and creating a mindset of ownership is an investment in education and training, not just for the government, but also for the community, for parents, for families, as well as for those who are trying to learn […]

(6) Investing in education and training to create independence and ownership

Some of you (have has the challenges on) financial resources, and all kinds of things to take care of in order to (1) have independence and ownership. Knowledge makes us independent […] and capable of turning thoughts into concrete actions […] (that is having) independence in decision-making, […] rather than listening to others […]; secondly, provide equal chances for each student to be able to seize opportunities, expand opportunities, and create opportunities […] because a higher-level job requires higher level of knowledge. Taking a higher-level position requires higher education level and experiences […] where we can expand opportunities. Possessing this level of education foundation allows us either to reskill or upskill […] knowledge, ability, and understanding are qualifications that can allow us to move to the foundation of expanding opportunities, changing skills […], and thus, changing careers. Thirdly, about creating opportunities […] while having skills, a foundation, plus the idea, you are able to ​​create opportunities ourselves. If we are well aware of something, we can create new products […] the term that is in use these days is “innovation,” which means creating something new […]

(7) Knowledge helps promote social equity

The same is true for society as well as individuals that knowledge helps promote social equity […] the fact that it is easy to close the brain gap means it is easy to close the ability gap. Closing the ability gap means closing the gap in seizing opportunities and/or in building one’s livelihood […] This provides an opportunity to promote social equity, which means bridging the gap between rural and urban areas, the gap between the children of those who have not and those who have, or individuals who were not able to do so since childhood, now have the opportunity to develop themselves thanks to knowledge and investment in this effort […]

(8) No longer accept just any investment but think about how it protects and benefits the citizens, environment and society

This evening I will go to the annual review conference of the Ministry of Mines and Energy to talk about sustainable (energy) development. We no longer accept anyone – with this or that much capital – to just invest in anything. We have to think about how the investment would protect our citizens; how it benefits the citizens; how it protects the environment and society […] back in the 1990s, when we still had difficulties, we first opened up the country to investment with rather difficult and heavy negotiations. As of now, we always have a choice. we would not accept the investment proposal if it does not go along with the standards […] we need to further strengthen our competitiveness by introducing concrete policies, and the biggest one is human resources […] our country competes, not only in supplying the necessary skills to the domestic market, but also to markets outside, and not only in agriculture but also in industry […]

(9) Four coastal development efforts; more road and rail infrastructural developments

This year, we are laying out a plan for four coastal provinces, stemming from the Sihanoukville to promote industry. Sihanoukville is a multi-purpose development province, where industry and commerce are the foundations, which aim to expand the logistics special economic zone to promote more industry […] at the same time, as we promote tourism, we need to prepare the environment, set a big goal to promote more industry, commerce and technology in Sihanoukville. we need to expedite these goals in 2025, and start implementing our master plan […] the Ministry of Economy and Finance, the Ministry of Public Works and the Royal Railway Company are working on the negotiation to conclude the railway development plan to promote logistics.

As for the road system and the air system, we have the Siem Reap International Airport, which is not only a tourist airport, that we launched this year. Now it is the high season and the port is crowded. We want to it to do more. We are expanding National Road No. 6 to solve the travel problem on land. I have instructed studying another rail line. The first railway from the airport to the city has been studied but I suggest the study of another line, which is shorter, from the (Angkor) Kjung Yu road, only 13 kilometers from the existing road […]

(10) Four points for furthering self-development and improvement

I hope you will continue to improve your ability to be self-sufficient and develop a better future. Please continue to learn. (Firstly) Learn everywhere, learn from everyone, and learn from yourself […] there are two foundations to keep in mind regarding learning from yourself – (1) open up your mind that you are not perfect, and with that, set a goal that you need to be perfect in what you do […] if one thinks one is perfect, one does want to learn anything else and/or is not interested in improving and not setting a goal to improve oneself to be perfect […]; and secondly, the lessons you learn here in school are considered lessons in life. Big work can only succeed when small work succeeds […] Discipline is major. Foreigners call it SOP (Standard Operating Procedure) with a checklist […];

Thirdly, one has to have perseverance, persistence, as success takes time […] one has to develop oneself, and use the knowledge one has developed in line with the development of the country. Do not use your knowledge and skills to harm the interests of the country, and/or others […]; and fourthly, use knowledge in making decisions. As an intellectual or a student, everything you do must be thoughtful. We learn to be independent, right? We can research and make our own decisions because we are responsible for ourselves. Though we may take advice from others, but in the end, we are the ones who make our own decisions, and not relying on others to make decisions for us […]

(11) Koh Kut – mixing politics with technology would harm national interests

In the last few days, even on the occasion of the water festival, opposition politicians have not given us any peace. It is about the sea, the island Koh Kut. (They) say why the government has been so quiet. Some who called themselves analysts – including the one who shouted the loudest and who were once imprisoned for posting false information about the border making a promise six years ago that he would stop posting information that lacked consideration about the border anymore (but) now they are doing it again – say the government must have had itself implicated and does not dare to speak out (on the issue) […]

Please allow me to send a message to our compatriots […] the reason why the government does not speak out (about the Koh Kut issue) is based on – firstly, its political maturity and, secondly, its responsibility to the nation and people in protecting territorial integrity and national sovereignty […]

Regarding political maturity, there are three reasons – firstly, we adhere to the principle of not bringing fire into the house […] the opposition party or anti-government group (in Thailand) raises this issue to attack the Thai government […] alleging that the Thai government has lost Koh Kut to Cambodia […]; secondly, the government adheres to the official mechanism as a method of resolving the border issue, and not the Facebook or media mechanism […] based on the agreed mechanisms, such as […] the JBC – the Joint Land Border Affairs Committee, and the JTC, the Joint Technical Committee that negotiates on the border, demarcates the land border and delimits the sea border […]; and thirdly, we will be carrying out actions based on a pragmatic basis, which mean we must research the matter clearly and be practical […]

In particular, the maritime border has not been agreed upon yet. We have negotiated many times, but there is no agreement. If there is no agreement, what have we lost? They keep saying that (the government committed) treason (because Cambodia has) lost the island. What loss is there when there has no agreement yet? How can we sue this matter to the ICJ? If we did, they would ask what would be the matter be? There is no matter […] the Thai opposition group accuses the Thai government of losing Koh Kut to Cambodia. Now they (the Thai government) are arguing. Suddenly, in Cambodia, (the opposition) say that the Cambodian government lost Koh Kut to Thailand. Now let me or us ask, where did it go? There are only two acters here. Or were there a third actor, or did the island sink into the sea? Their accusations are illogical […] the border commission is still negotiating the OCA (overlapping claim areas) issue. I will not explain it this morning. I will leave the topic to the energy and mining annual conference this evening […]

[…] On the second reason, in addition to maturity, we have a responsibility to the nation. The border issue is a long-term issue that requires patience […] therefore, the Royal Government, firstly, is determined to absolutely protect the territorial integrity and national sovereignty of Cambodia […]; secondly, is committed to resolving the issue peacefully through technical mechanisms based on international law, including the use of international law on border delimitation, various treaties, and geographical border techniques […]; and thirdly, through the Secretary of State for Border Affairs, the government is prepared to negotiate […]; therefore, border negotiations take time and responsibility, and we are prepared at all times […] without allowing loss of territory or national sovereignty […]

(12) Some may have to retattoo the land area of Cambodia

Some people say if there is nothing secret, why the government doesn’t release documents and negotiation strategies? Listen to what they said it. It’s like a pure ignorance […] what should we do to maximize the benefits […] to get benefits that can be accepted by both sides […] some people have tattooed Cambodia’s land area of 181,035 square kilometers on their backs. Are there anyone tattooed here? If you do, you may have to change it […] in fact, some of the people have had their backs tattooed […] after the measurement, in 2012, our land area has been recorded a new figure of 181,436 square kilometers, and not counting the islands yet […] this document is not secret. Samdech Techo published thousands of copies and posted it when he did a presentation in National Assembly for 5 hours […]

(13) Using Koh Kut to incite failed because people understand and value stability

Whatever these politicians and/or analysts inside the country are doing, they must not incite protests like the one they did on August 18, aimed at overthrowing so and so. Seeing that some 20,000 boat crews are walking throughout the Phnom Penh city, they have had this idea to challenge them to protest (like what happened in Bangladesh). Their plan is when tens of thousands of people come to celebrate the boat festival, they use that time to hold a demonstration. They tried to talk about Koh Kut and all this nonsense, but they couldn’t […] they have failed because our citizens understand and value stability and the time when the country needs to be united. It is not the time to think about fighting each other for no reason. Don’t bring fire from outside to start it in and burn down your own house without any national benefit. I thank our citizens […]./.

CMF: 18/11/2024

Hon. André Pastrana Arango, President of Centrist Democrat International;
Esteemed leaders of IDC-CDI;
Excellencies, Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen!
Today, I am pleased to take part in the opening of IDC-CDI Executive Committee Meeting. I would like to extend a warm welcome to all delegates to this historic gathering in Siem Reap City, the center of our Angkorian civilization which dated back from the 9th to the 15th Centuries. The Cambodian People’s Party (CPP), as Vice-President of the IDC-CDI, is truly honored to host this Executive Committee Meeting as well as the Special Forum on “Youth and the Peace Charter: For People and the Planet,” which was held earlier today. I am also delighted that many of you will be joining the 12th General Assembly of the International Conference of Asian Political Parties (ICAPP) as well as the 11th Plenary Session of the International Parliament for Tolerance and Peace (IPTP) later this week in Phnom Penh.

Let me seize this opportunity to convey my respect and profound gratitude to Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen, President of the CPP and President of the Senate of the Kingdom of Cambodia, for his visionary leadership in peacebuilding, reconciliation, and development in our country. As Cambodians, we are indebted to his lifetime commitment to peace, reconciliation and post-conflict reconstruction, which have set the foundation for the national rejuvenation and modernization of this country.

Today, our world faces unprecedented challenges with geopolitical tensions rising to heights not seen for decades. Extension and proliferation of armed conflicts across regions with participation of indirect parties to the conflicts have diminished hope for an early ceasefire and increased fear for a conflict of a global scale.

Moreover, economic polarization, climate change and natural disasters are threatening lives globally at an unimaginable scale. Combined, these challenges have caused humanitarian and refugee crisis, and hindered economic recovery, fueling inflation, disrupting supply chains, and compromising food security and human development. That is why, the theme of our meeting today is so timely and relevant, as we seek to harness our shared responsibility to address these pressing regional and global issues. I believe that together we could be impactful advocates for peace and dialogue, and cooperation that aim to accelerate our economic and social recovery toward development and prosperity.

Cambodia, as a small state, embraces an independent foreign policy with respect to international law, which requires that we strive to strengthen our national resilience in political-security, socio-economic and cultural fields. Cambodia stands ready to contribute to peace across our region. As a matter of fact, Cambodia had lost several decades to its protracted civil war, but we have managed to restore full peace for more than two decades and have achieved prosperity through economic liberalization and reintegration into global economy till the present days. The fact that next week Cambodia will be hosting the Siem Reap-Angkor Summit on a Mine-Free World is a testimony of how Cambodia has re-emerged stronger and more resilient from being merely a victim of war to becoming one of the torch-bearers of peace who is globally recognized as one of the most active deminers and mine action advocates.

Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,

We are witnessing in recent years the rise of multipolarity in the new world order driven in part by globalization, technological advancements, and the rise of emerging economies. Today’s emerging 21st century world order is marked by a multiplicity of actors, civilizations and cultures. In another word, it is a world of interconnectedness and interdependence.

In Southeast Asia, we fully embrace these multiple civilizations and multilateralism. In the pluralist global community, diversity demands that we respect different forms of political governance and institutions, even variants of democracies. Cambodia, which was once a thriving ancient civilization connecting Asian trade routes, now seeks to be a bridge-builder in the modern era by enhancing our global connectivity.

Under the CPP’s leadership, we aspire alongside like-minded countries and political parties to support multilateralism and pluralism in political governance. Given the past history, peace is the core foundation of CPP’s political philosophy that seeks to build a society that is harmonious, tolerant and inclusive, where people despite their social backgrounds and political orientations can live side by side, a society that can settle differences through talks without resorting to extremism and violent political culture.

Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,

I recognize that IDC-CDI has come a long way to become a globally recognized core community of 109 political parties from 83 countries, all rooted in democratic principles. As IDC-CDI’s Vice-President, the CPP has proudly contributed to the development and strengthening of Cambodia as a democratic country in the region. We have actively participated in various regional and global political initiatives, using our own experiences in peacebuilding and reconciliation. As a small country, our ambition lies not in military strength but in peace-making. After all, we only seek to live in peace, and prosper as a sovereign state with territorial integrity. The CPP together with the IDC-CDI is indeed proud to address regional challenges and advance peace-building efforts aligned with IDC-CDI’s core democratic values and principles.

In that regard, I truly appreciate the works of the IDC-CDI as they relate to the value of peace, freedom of reliable and accountable press, and participation of youth and women in peace and security, among other aspects. This resonates perfectly with the proposed establishment of the Universal Peace Charter, part of which was discussed and elaborated at the Special Forum held this morning. I believe that we are witnessing a historical moment in modern history in that governments, parliaments, political parties and civil society organizations from across the globe have reached this common vision of having in place a universal peace architecture that is open, inclusive, people-centered and action-oriented. Moreover, it is complementary to the functions of the United Nations in peacebuilding. As such, I would like to encourage our IDC-CDI global family to support and partake in this journey together.

I am fully convinced that IDC-CDI’s unwavering commitment to this process will enable us to better adapt to changing geo-political and geo-economic circumstances, building unity in diversity, and strengthening relations with our partners based on trust and mutual respect. In these challenging times, I would like to emphasize that political parties and parliaments do have an indispensable role to play to advance this noble agenda.

Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,

Our gatherings over the next few days are efforts to secure common positions for ensuring worldwide security, stability, and development. I am confident that IDC-CDI can provide valuable inputs for our discussions as well as identify some policy recommendations to promote peaceful coexistence for the greater interests of our peoples. On that positive note, allow me now to conclude my speech by wishing our IDC-CDI family continued success and good health. I hope all distinguished participants have a comfortable and pleasant stay in our cultural city of Siem Reap.

Thank You!

His Excellency Lok Chumteav Member of the Royal Government;
Tan Sri Dato Lim Soon Peng, Founder of Lin World Chamber of Commerce
Mr. Lim Singfa, President of Lin World Trade Association
Dr. Chhay Sinath, President of the Lin Family Association in Cambodia
Congratulations to all the members of the Lin family business! 

[1]

[…] To our friends from Malaysia, China, Singapore, South Korea and other countries, I wish to welcome you to Cambodia for it is your first time or your returning trips for this evening. Welcome to the conference and I congratulate on your success in holding the conference of the Lin Family in Cambodia.

[2]

Because we have our friends from overseas, I would like to make a short speech in English […] may I once again welcome our friends from all over the world in the Lin Family to hold the conference here today.

Business needs favorable and conducive environment to operate and strive. I think businesses are (important) just like everyone and every sector, unless you love war and fighting. As for those who love peace and stability as the goals, Cambodia offers that.

With the world situation continuously changes and sometimes in a very uncertain direction, stable and predictable environment become even more a requirement of precondition for setting up businesses, especially overseas business. In this regard, I would like to raise a few key factors that Cambodia could be an attractive destination for investments.

Firstly, Cambodia offers peace and stability. It offers a peaceful and stable environment, a fundamental factor for investors when deciding where to invest. You are visiting Cambodia today and you stay for a few days. Maybe you can see that Phnom Penh or in other places, Cambodia is very safe. I understand that some of you may have heard in the news recently about situations on security aspect of Cambodia that makes a lot of people nervous. But, please rest assured, Cambodia is safe, peaceful and stable for you to conduct business. Please trust Cambodia and be assured we provide security and safety for all – including expats – who live in Cambodia, investors, tourists who visit Cambodia. We take the utmost priority to provide security and stable environment for you just like Cambodians who live here.

Secondly, Cambodia offers macro-economic stability. Cambodia ranks as a top emerging market for foreign investment in 2024 according to FDI intelligence and thank to strong GPD growth, low inflation and an expanding in FDI sector. Over the past few years, inflation has remained below 3%.

Thirdly, we have business friendly and responsive investment environment in Cambodia. Our investment law is liberal with diverse flexible and tailored incentive to investors. We offer 100% foreign ownership compared to some of our neighboring countries that don’t allow that. We have no restriction on remittance of profit and capital, Country’s Specific Special Economic Zone and Industry Specific Special Economic Zone. We have created various consultative channels between private sector and the government to ensure that business operating in Cambodia has a mean to express concerns to and get the government’s attention at all time. We can provide a quick and responsive solutions, in addition to SOP on taxation and special mechanism issued by the government.

Fourthly, Cambodia holds a strategic location and trade-pact opportunities. To invest in Cambodia is not just investing in the market of 17 million people. Investing in Cambodia opens opportunities to many other parts of the world because Cambodia has many agreements including Free Trade Agreements with ASEAN, RCEP, Korean FTA, Korean-China, Korean-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnerships, as well as many other preference treatments to markets in Europe and other countries. Investing in Cambodia means investing with access to other parts of the world. Cambodia is located in the heart of Southeast Asia. The average flight to other Southeast Asia countries is about one and a half hour.

Fifthly, we have skilled workforce. Cambodia has young, dynamic and English-speaking population. About 60% of its population is under the age of 35. Cambodia has undertaken a comprehensive free vocational training and technical program for 1.5 million young people. This ensures that we have the ability to provide businesses, especially oversea businesses that are looking to settle or open operation in Cambodia, with the ability to have access to labor force – ready to meet your needs.

Sixthly, it is regarding infrastructure connectivity. Cambodia has been expanding its infrastructure connectivity to integrate and connect Cambodia’s transport network and key economic corridors, as well as links with neighboring countries and major export hubs in the region. Major infrastructure projects include the Siem Reap-Angkor International Airport, which opened last year, the Phnom Penh Techo International Airport, under construction and is set to open next year. We have the Sihanoukville deep seaport capacity expansion project which is going in four phases to be completed by 2029, which will allow access for sea freight all around the world, and will reduce logistic cost to Cambodia. We have the Phnom Penh Sihanoukville Expressway and earmarked a number of Expressway that is going to be built in the near future.

Green Economy and Digitization – this is quite a new area and a new priority of the government. Cambodia is committed to sustainable energy with abundant solar and hydropower potential – by which, the renewable (energy has) currently been accounting for 62% of our power (production). Cambodia aims to attain the target of 70% in 2030 positioning our Cambodia as attractive destination for green investment. We aim to realize Carbon Neutrality by 2050. Our law on investment further supports this by prioritizing green industry and offering incentive through accelerating growth in this sector. Recently, the Council of Ministers approved 23 energy projects that are worth 5.74 billion US dollars from 2025 to 2029, almost all of which are renewable. Before coming to attend this event, I just signed an approval for the Ministry of Mines and Energy to prepare the necessary works so that we can issue the renewable energy certificate to provide more competitive footing for the firms that invest in Cambodia.

We have also Cross Border Financial Services. We have been developing digital payment platform, an agreement allowing for ease of settlement for goods and services between buyers and suppliers, and ease of capital remittance and gain repatriation. It contributes to the promotion of trade activity, tourism and financial inclusion within Cambodia and the region. Cambodia is committed to digital transformation and we have embarked on a comprehensive journey establishing Digital Economy and Society Framework.

Finally, there has this Investment Promoting Program that we have promoted in Sihanoukville for 2024. We offer procedural facilitation and special benefit to businesses. The government is rolling out an Investment Incentive Program for 2025 which will be announced in the coming month before the new year.

I just provided a brief to you on the prospect of investment in Cambodia. I understand that you traveled from far away – Malaysia, South Korea, Singapore, China or maybe other parts of the world to join the event in Cambodia. I once again appreciate the Lin Family for choosing Cambodia as a setting for your conference this year. We enjoy our interaction several times this year – meeting you in Malaysia and others, and I hope that your presence in Cambodia is a testament not just holding a conference but a show to your fellow countrymen that Cambodia is safe and open for business. We welcome you to do business in Cambodia.

I’d like to conclude my remark as a saying goes “when you make a speech during a dinner or a lunch, don’t make it too long”. So, once again, congratulation on the successful event for the conference of the Lin Family. I hope, through your event this time, and future interaction with the Lin Family in Cambodia and also other parts of Cambodia will bring the synergy together. Investment potential of Cambodia will open the door to you and through you, we will be connecting to a more business people in your country. I hope you have a chance to enjoy Cambodia and will help disseminate information back home. We welcome everyone to Cambodia in the near future,

Thank you once again!