From left Hun Sen, Heng Samrin, Sar Kheng, Kem Sokha, Tea Banh, Hang Chuon Naron and Pauline Tamesis. Post Staff
Government leaders, opposition figures and diplomatic representatives to Cambodia issued statements marking the end of 2020 and identifying challenges to face and achievements to fulfil in 2021.
National Assembly president Heng Samrin said in his remarks that the whole world, including Cambodia, had been hit hard by the crisis caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, which has been particularly bad for the world economy. But Cambodia had the crisis under control due to strong leadership and a spirit of cooperation between all of relevant institutions, friends and development partners.
Samrin thanked various ministries and authorities as well as all of Cambodia’s volunteers for making physical, spiritual and financial contributions to the government effort in fighting Covid-19. Their contribution had, to some extent, alleviated the impacts of the crisis on Cambodia’s economy, he said.
Prime Minister Hun Sen released a New Year’s message on his Facebook page wishing happiness and prosperity for all people and reminding them to stay vigilant about Covid-19.
“Please continue to pay attention to the prevention of Covid-19 by washing your hands frequently with soap, gel or alcohol sanitiser, wearing masks and maintaining social distancing. Follow the instructions of the Ministry of Health. I wish our brothers and sisters a safe journey whether they are travelling near or far over the holiday weekend,” he wrote.
The prime minister also celebrated Cambodia’s entry into the ranks of oil producing nations.
“Covid-19 has caused disruption, but it could not stop our efforts to produce oil. Although we cannot fully enjoy the start of 2021 in the same manner as previous years due to Covid-19, we should still be thankful for the huge gift the nation has received – the first drops of oil produced in our country.
“I would like to express my sincere gratitude to all of my compatriots for their active cooperation and support of the government while we continue the process of building our economy and society,” he said.
Minister of National Defence Tea Banh said he has seen great achievements accomplished in 2020 by the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces (RCAF) through their devotion and efforts to overcome all obstacles. He saluted them for their dedication to the protection of the country and security in support of peace, political stability, and the prosperity of the people.
“The RCAF has effectively carried out their international duties such as humanitarian efforts and our peacekeeping missions with the UN, to advance the cause of international cooperation and friendship between nations. All of this is a testament to the honour of the RCAF and something that all of Cambodia should take pride in,” the minister said.
Minister of Interior Sar Kheng expressed his appreciation for the efforts undertaken by the National Police, civil servants and prison officials at all levels in fulfilling their duties while responsibly and honestly serving the nation and the people.
Maintaining peace, stability and security serves social and economic development and it is a direct result of their contributions and work all over the country, he said.
“I would also like to appeal to the National Police, civil servants, and prison officials serving Cambodia to continue to fulfil their duties with self-confidence and pride in order to build great achievements and bring new victories for the nation and the people in 2021,” Sar Kheng wrote.
Minister of Education, Youth and Sport Hang Chuon Naron said he highly valued the efforts of education officials and teachers for adhering to the highest standards of professionalism in their conduct throughout 2020.
He said they had jointly implemented the reform programmes and education strategies of the government effectively and efficiently, especially regarding the prevention of Covid-19.
Kem Sokha, former leader of the Supreme Court-dissolved Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP), also released his New Year’s message on December 31, praying that 2021 would bring national reconciliation, solidarity, peace, stability and prosperity to the Cambodian people.
“This will enable us all to build a bright future with prosperity and unity to protect the independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity and development of Cambodia with sustainability and with honour,” he said.
“Remember to never make others suffer because of your ambitions. Please share your mercy for the sake of the happiness of us all. Happiness for you, your family, your nation and the world,” Sokha said.
UN Resident Coordinator in Cambodia Pauline Tamesis also released a video message saying the past year has been difficult for the whole world, Cambodia included.
“Although Cambodia has been spared from the health crisis we see in many countries of the world, we have not escaped the disastrous consequences of the Covid-19 pandemic on the lives, livelihoods and future prospects of vulnerable Cambodians.
She expressed her appreciation for the UN Country team, especially World Health Organisation officials in Cambodia for their assistance to the government in the response to the pandemic.
“As we usher in the New Year, we must keep our focus on saving lives and stopping the transmission of the virus, mitigating the socio-economic impact of the pandemic and building back better by standing up for human rights,” she said.
