Hungarian President Janos Ader arrived in Cambodia on Sunday on a four-day visit from October 27-30 at the invitation from King Norodom Sihamoni. The visit serves to strengthen bilateral relations and cooperation.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation’s press release dated October 25 said Ader will have an audience with the King at the Royal Palace before meeting Senate President Say Chhum, National Assembly president Heng Samrin, and Prime Minister Hun Sen.

The prime minister and Ader will discuss bilateral cooperation and regional and international issues of common interest.

“The president’s first visit to Cambodia will mark an important milestone in Cambodia-Hungry bilateral relations and further reinforce the long-standing bonds of friendship and solidarity as well as the increase in scope and depth of cooperation between the two countries,” the press release said.

Ministry spokesman Kuy Kuong said on Sunday that many topics will be discussed during a meeting between Hun Sen and Ader, but he is unaware of details.

“So, I think [you] should wait until the discussion and there will be results of the meeting,” he said.

Political analyst Meas Nee said it is an effort of the Cambodian government to show its legitimacy on the international stage.

It’s already known that the result of the 2018 election caused suspicions on the freedom of justice or election accuracy. Also, only one party won in the current government and national assembly.

“So, because [there are] these situations, the Cambodian government must try all ways to show that the [current] government is recognised by international countries, including countries that have diplomatic relations with Cambodia,” he said.