Logo of Phnom Penh Post newspaper Phnom Penh Post - Kingdom’s ambassadors in Europe underscore importance of PM’s trip

Kingdom’s ambassadors in Europe underscore importance of PM’s trip

Content image - Phnom Penh Post
Prime Minister Hun Sen arrived in Brussels on December 12. SPM

Kingdom’s ambassadors in Europe underscore importance of PM’s trip

Cambodia's ambassadors in Europe highlighted the importance of Prime Minister Hun Sen’s trip to attend the ASEAN-EU Commemorative Summit, which he co-chairs along with European Council President Charles Michel.

Hun Sen arrived in Brussels on the afternoon of December 12 and was met by members of the Cambodian diaspora in Europe.

Before the December 14 summit to celebrate 45 years of ASEAN-EU Dialogue Partnership, Hun Sen is slated to meet with French President Emmanuel Macron on December 13 to share his experiences and thoughts on peace building, with a particular focus on Ukraine.

Nong Sakal, Cambodia’s ambassador to Belgium, Luxembourg and the EU, said the 45th anniversary of ASEAN-EU Dialogue Partnership coincides with Cambodia taking the rotational ASEAN chair, which helps to raise the Kingdom’s profile in Europe.

“The world has noted Cambodia’s role as ASEAN chair, especially on economic recovery post-Covid-19 and on other global issues,” he said.

Ket Sophan, Cambodia’s ambassador to France, said Hun Sen’s trip to Brussels is historically important for Cambodia and its people as well as for the ASEAN region.

He said co-chairing this summit means that ASEAN and the EU can work together shoulder to shoulder to solve issues of common concern shared by the two blocs and the whole world, and that the meeting comes right after Cambodia had “successfully” hosted the ASEAN Summit and related meetings.

“Secondly, it is also a historic event that our prime minister has been invited by French president Emmanuel Macron to attend the international conference on ‘solidarity for Ukrainian people’ in Paris.

“It is a message to the world that Prime Minister Hun Sen will share his experience in peace making. As we already know, war is happening in Europe. So [Hun Sen] will share his thoughts on peace building, how to end the war and other crises in Europe,” Sophan said.

Sophan said that this trip was also special because Macron invited Hun Sen to a state dinner at the Elysee Palace.

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,

  • 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

  • Hun Sen warns of regional tensions

    ASIA is becoming a dangerous geopolitical hotspot, with several countries announcing that they intend to send naval vessels towards Southeast Asia and on to the South China Sea, warned Prime Minister Hun Sen. “Heated geopolitical issues can easily escalate, namely to war. I am not

  • 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