King Norodom Sihamoni has expressed his “admiration” for former Prime Minister Hun Sen and Prime Minister Hun Manet for their roles in leading Cambodia’s “remarkable growth”. 

The King’s remarks were made during his visit to Prambei Mum commune’s Trapeang Kreunh village in Kampong Speu province’s Thpong district, where he distributed essential items to 529 farming households on January 24. 

“Our Kingdom was very fortunate to have former Prime Minister Hun Sen as the greatest navigator of Cambodia and his wife Bun Rany. Both of them led and built Cambodia to enjoy full happiness, peace and social and political stability. Cambodia is prospering in all sectors across the country,” he said.

“And under the wise and ingenious leadership of [Manet] and his wife, Cambodia is advancing with great effort. With their governance, our national society, in both urban and rural areas, has achieved peace and development … in every sector,” he added.

Separately, Sar Kheng, former Minister of Interior and now a lawmaker for Battambang province, also remarked on January 25 about the country’s progress following its attainment of comprehensive peace, national independence and political stability. 

“King Norodom Sihamoni serves as the guardian of Cambodia. The country is thriving in all sectors and has accomplished significant achievements in socio-economic development,” he said while presiding over the inauguration of a new school building in Snoeng commune, in the province’s Banan district.

“Cambodia has undergone proud and positive changes through the successful implementation of the win-win policy by [Hun Sen], who is now chair of the Supreme Privy Council to the King. The preservation of peace and the remarkable achievements we see today are not accidental but the result of a long-term vision for the nation’s destiny,” he added.

At the event, he also called on relevant authorities to be prepared to assist people affected by natural disasters, increase education for fire prevention, and promote safety and hygiene in schools as part of the environment ministry’s Plastic Free School Campaign 2023-24.