Logo of Phnom Penh Post newspaper Phnom Penh Post - Kingdom’s ambassadors in Europe underscore importance of PM’s trip

Kingdom’s ambassadors in Europe underscore importance of PM’s trip

Content image - Phnom Penh Post
Prime Minister Hun Sen arrived in Brussels on December 12. SPM

Kingdom’s ambassadors in Europe underscore importance of PM’s trip

Cambodia's ambassadors in Europe highlighted the importance of Prime Minister Hun Sen’s trip to attend the ASEAN-EU Commemorative Summit, which he co-chairs along with European Council President Charles Michel.

Hun Sen arrived in Brussels on the afternoon of December 12 and was met by members of the Cambodian diaspora in Europe.

Before the December 14 summit to celebrate 45 years of ASEAN-EU Dialogue Partnership, Hun Sen is slated to meet with French President Emmanuel Macron on December 13 to share his experiences and thoughts on peace building, with a particular focus on Ukraine.

Nong Sakal, Cambodia’s ambassador to Belgium, Luxembourg and the EU, said the 45th anniversary of ASEAN-EU Dialogue Partnership coincides with Cambodia taking the rotational ASEAN chair, which helps to raise the Kingdom’s profile in Europe.

“The world has noted Cambodia’s role as ASEAN chair, especially on economic recovery post-Covid-19 and on other global issues,” he said.

Ket Sophan, Cambodia’s ambassador to France, said Hun Sen’s trip to Brussels is historically important for Cambodia and its people as well as for the ASEAN region.

He said co-chairing this summit means that ASEAN and the EU can work together shoulder to shoulder to solve issues of common concern shared by the two blocs and the whole world, and that the meeting comes right after Cambodia had “successfully” hosted the ASEAN Summit and related meetings.

“Secondly, it is also a historic event that our prime minister has been invited by French president Emmanuel Macron to attend the international conference on ‘solidarity for Ukrainian people’ in Paris.

“It is a message to the world that Prime Minister Hun Sen will share his experience in peace making. As we already know, war is happening in Europe. So [Hun Sen] will share his thoughts on peace building, how to end the war and other crises in Europe,” Sophan said.

Sophan said that this trip was also special because Macron invited Hun Sen to a state dinner at the Elysee Palace.

MOST VIEWED

  • 12th Cambodia int’l film festival to see return of Hollywood star

    Phnom Penh is set to come alive with the magic of cinema as the highly anticipated 12th Cambodia International Film Festival (CIFF) takes centre stage. Boasting an impressive line-up of 188 films from 23 countries, including captivating shorts, feature films, documentaries and animation, the festival promises an

  • Bareknuckle champion wants Kun Khmer fighter

    Dave Leduc, who is the current openweight Lethwei boxing champion in Myanmar, has announced that he will travel to Cambodia this year to challenge SEA Games gold medallist Prum Samnang any time that is convenient, after their planned match later this month in Slovakia was

  • Struggling Battambang artist dreams of staging full-scale gallery exhibition

    Leav Kimchhoth, a 55-year-old artist from Battambang province, is a familiar face to locals and tourists alike on the streets of the riverside in Phnom Penh. The one-armed painter and illustrator often hawks his work near the night market on weekends and public holidays. He

  • Fresh Covid warnings as Thai hospital fills

    A senior health official reminds the public to remain vigilant, as neighbouring countries experience an increase in Covid-19 cases, with the latest surge appearing to be a result of the Omicron XBB.1.5 sub-variant. Or Vandine, secretary of state and spokeswoman for the Ministry of Health,

  • New Law on Taxation comes into effect

    Cambodia has enacted the eagerly-awaited new Law on Taxation, which aims to improve the national tax regime’s compliance with present and future international standards and economic conditions; encourage accountability, effectiveness and transparency in the collection process; and promote investment in the Kingdom. King Norodom

  • PM warns of int’l election interference

    With the national election scheduled to take place in less than two months, Prime Minister Hun Sen has warned foreign nations and their diplomats not to interfere into Cambodia’s domestic affairs. He also hinted that their statements on court verdicts handed down to any