Prime Minister Hun Sen is scheduled to give a speech on Cambodia’s constructive role in supporting rules-based multilateralism to tackle issues such as the coordinated fight against emerging global health threats, climate change and strengthening trade systems, among others, during the 77th UN General Assembly (UNGA) from September 21-23 at the UN headquarters in New York City.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation said in a press statement on September 19 that Hun Sen will also touch on digital policies, green economy, Cambodia’s ASEAN chairmanship and the Kingdom’s efforts to mitigate the impacts of Covid-19 and sustain long-term socio-economic growth.

While in the US, Hun Sen will have a series of meetings that will include talks with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, European Council president Charles Michel, Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and East Timor President Jose Manuel Ramos Horta.

The premier will be accompanied by foreign minister Prak Sokhonn, education minister Hang Chuon Naron and health minister Mam Bun Heng.

Following the conclusion of the 77th UNGA, the delegation will also pay an official visit to Cuba at the invitation of Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel Bermudez, slated to run from September 23-25.

“During the visit, [Hun Sen] will have bilateral talks with Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel Bermudez to discuss ways to further strengthen bonds of friendly relations between the two countries and expand areas of their cooperation,” the ministry said, adding that several cooperation documents will likely be signed during the visit.

Hun Sen will also attend the state funeral of the slain former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on September 27.

Abe was a long-time friend of Hun Sen and a friend to Cambodia as a whole, the press statement said.

“During his premiership, he worked closely with the Cambodian government on enhancing relations, including the elevation of bilateral cooperation to the level of Strategic Partnership in 2013.

“The late prime minister has been widely acknowledged and praised for his active contributions to peace, stability and prosperity in the region and beyond,” the press statement said.