Logo of Phnom Penh Post newspaper Phnom Penh Post - India, Cambodia mark 70 years with 70 trees

India, Cambodia mark 70 years with 70 trees

Content image - Phnom Penh Post
Officials from the environment and foreign ministries as well as the Indian embassy plant trees at Kulen National Park to celebrate the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations, on January 30. MOE

India, Cambodia mark 70 years with 70 trees

Indian and Cambodian officials on January 30 planted 70 trees at Jayavarman-Norodom Phnom Kulen National Park in Siem Reap, in a ceremony held to commemorate the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations and to inspire people to care for the forest.

The ceremony was attended by Indian ambassador to Cambodia Devyani Khobragade and more than 200 officials from the Ministry of Environment, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation and APSARA National Authority (ANA).

“[They] joined us in planting 70 rumduol trees, a fragrant symbol of Cambodia,” the embassy said of the species of flowering plant, also known by its botanical name Sphaerocoryne affinis, that was designated as the Kingdom’s national flower by a royal decree in 2005.

“Perhaps the formal relationship between India and Cambodia is just 70 years old, but we have been historically connected for several millennia. It is this long, shared history that forms the very foundation of bilateral relationships between the two nations,” said Khobragade as she addressed the ceremony.

“India and Cambodia are building a new historical starting point in the field of environmental issues. As we all know, India has emerged as a ray of hope in global efforts to tackle the menace of climate change,” she added.

In November last year, the two governments signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on biodiversity conservation and sustainable wildlife management and conservation. The MoU will benefit both countries on a number of issues, including the conservation and rehabilitation of tigers in Cambodia, especially in key landscape areas, such as the Cardamom Mountains and the eastern highlands.

At the same time, they agreed to increase cooperation on climate change, environmental governance and pollution and waste management.

“We are working closely together. Both India and Cambodia believe in balance, and sustainable development plays an important part in balancing the needs of the environment and development,” said Khobragade.

She recalled a past collaboration, when the embassy and the environment ministry worked together on Quick Impact Projects through small-scale water supply and integrated food security initiatives.

The ambassador extended her best wishes to the organisers of the ceremony and hoped the new year would be memorable for the people of both nations.

Environment ministry secretary of state Sao Sopheap said the planting of the trees demonstrated the love and fond memories the two countries shared.

He hoped that the ceremony would inspire civil servants, members of the armed forces and citizens to involve themselves in forest rehabilitation efforts.

“The Phnom Kulen National Park serves to promote public awareness of local plants and the value of the Kingdom’s unique biodiversity resources. It also serves to improve the livelihoods of local communities, as it attracts visitors to the area,” he added.

MOST VIEWED

  • Bareknuckle champion wants Kun Khmer fighter

    Dave Leduc, who is the current openweight Lethwei boxing champion in Myanmar, has announced that he will travel to Cambodia this year to challenge SEA Games gold medallist Prum Samnang any time that is convenient, after their planned match later this month in Slovakia was

  • Five-year-old Hanuman dances his way into hearts of Cambodia

    A young talent from a new-established settlement has emerged, captivating the online world with his mesmerising performances of the traditional Cambodian monkey dance. Roeun Kakada is a five-year-old prodigy who has taken the social media sphere by storm with his exceptional dance skills and dedication

  • Fresh Covid warnings as Thai hospital fills

    A senior health official reminds the public to remain vigilant, as neighbouring countries experience an increase in Covid-19 cases, with the latest surge appearing to be a result of the Omicron XBB.1.5 sub-variant. Or Vandine, secretary of state and spokeswoman for the Ministry of Health,

  • PM declares ASEAN Para Games open

    The 12th ASEAN Para Games officially kicked off on the evening of June 3 at Morodok Techo National Stadium in Phnom Penh, with a spectacular opening ceremony featuring fireworks and performances by some of the Kingdom’s most accomplished talents. Tens of thousands of sports fans

  • Honda shutters Siem Reap football club

    Japanese football legend Keisuke Honda, the owner of Siem Reap football club Soltilo Angkor FC, has been forced to shut the club down, after it failed to attract sponsorship for the upcoming season. Honda, the former manager of the Cambodia men's national football team, said

  • Waterway job still pending for Kampot tourism port’s opening

    The search is still on for a contractor to expand and deepen the Kampot International Tourism Port’s waterway and deliver additional enhancements allowing safe access for larger vessels, nearly a year after the main construction work on the 4.25ha site was completed on June 30, 2022.