King Norodom Sihamoni delivered a message to open the seventh National Assembly (NA) session of its sixth mandate, praising the leadership of Prime Minister Hun Sen and his “great victory” against Covid-19.

The NA started its seventh session on April 1, presided over by its president Heng Samrin, and attended by 93 out of its 125 members.

“Not different from our compatriots, who have gone through the spread of Covid-19, the NA will actively continue its work as the legislative body to genuinely build policy frameworks and laws, ensuring that they are in step with the development of the country, as well as regional and international integration,” the King said in a letter.

“All of these achievements have enabled all Cambodians to live in a wonderful sereneness, security and social order, worthy of a prosperous Kingdom with a high profile on the international stage,” he said.

He also praised Prime Minister Hun Sen for his “relentless devotion” and making “political decisions correctly in his duties to protect peace, social security, and development in all sectors, such as strongly protecting the foundation of the national economy, inflation prevention, harmonisation and the promotion of the people’s wellbeing”.

“Promoting the interests of the county have left our people and myself satisfied with all the development achieved so far,” he added.

The King also appealed to his subjects to keep practicing health measures strictly for their wellbeing, and take a “new normal” approach in their daily routines, stressing that Covid-19 still poses a material threat.

A main item on the NA session’s agenda is the draft law on plant protection and phytosanitary measures, which was passed by the Council of Ministers on February 4.