Prime Minister Hun Sen thanked government institutions and the people for their excellent cooperation in maintaining order, which led to the success of the ASEAN Summit and elevated Cambodia’s prestige on the international stage to another level.

He offered his gratitude during a press conference to present the key outputs of the 40th and 41st ASEAN Summit and related meetings hosted by Cambodia.

He took the opportunity to express his appreciation to people all over the country, especially in Phnom Penh, for their understanding and cooperation in maintaining security and order in the capital.

“I am very pleased with our security forces, who demonstrated that they have the expertise to protect the safety of leaders from afar when they visit the Kingdom. I am especially proud of the mechanisms that were put in place by Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Prak Sokhonn to serve the ASEAN Summit,” he said.

“You have all done a very good job. This demonstrates how we were able to increase our capacity building year on year. As the weight of the work required has grown heavier, we have responded by showing more strength. What appeared difficult was handled with ease,” he added.

Hun Sen also gave credit for the success of the preparations to the King and Queen Mother.

“The successful hosting of these events is the source of great pride and honour for Cambodia. The result is that we have lifted the prestige of the Kingdom, as befits our role as rotating chair of ASEAN. We have fulfilled all of the obligations of our role,” he said.

He drew attention to the fact that the success would be preserved as a historic achievement, which would reflect prestige on future generations.

“We could spend money for a day or for a year, but the legacy we have earned in these past few days is priceless. The 100 documents we negotiated in Phnom Penh will be stored in libraries for our children to study in the future,” he said.

He offered his appreciation to Cambodian security forces for protecting the ASEAN and world leaders who attended the summits and related meetings.

“Peace remains the most important accomplishment, and it was successfully ensured for our guests. Peace without war is one thing, but peace without terrorism is just as important to the world leaders who travelled to the Kingdom. You all accepted responsibility and provided your full cooperation to the bodyguards and security details of each of the delegations who were present,” he said.

Yang Peou, secretary-general of the Royal Academy of Cambodia, evaluated the success of the summit, and of the contribution of the Cambodian public.

Peou said Phnom Penh had presented peace, harmony and friendship to the international guests from more than 20 countries and institutions that came to Phnom Penh.

“The participation of the public was very important. Along all of the thoroughfares that were earmarked for the use of the visiting delegations, people respected the traffic laws, and beautified their homes and businesses, to ensure our international guests saw the beauty of Phnom Penh,” he added.

He said he was certain that the visitors all left with an appreciation for the Kingdom’s outstanding hospitality.

The leaders, officials, institutions and organisations that attended have issued statements congratulating Cambodia on its successful hosting.