A delegation from the German government congratulated Prime Minister Hun Sen for his latest election victory and pledged on Berlin’s behalf to continue supporting the development of the Kingdom.

The remarks came during a meeting at the Peace Palace on Thursday between Prime Minister Hun Sen and German member of parliament Markus Benjamin Koob, said Eang Sophallet, Hun Sen’s personal advisor

The visit came the same week as French Prime Minister Edouard Philippe sent Hun Sen a letter of support.

Sophallet said Koob had praised Cambodia’s efforts to reduce poverty and its support for factory workers.

He said Koob had also congratulated the prime minister for attracting global companies to invest in Cambodia.

“[Koob] once again said that Germany will continue supporting Cambodia’s development and hopes to build on the existing relationship and cooperation between both countries,” Sophallet said.

Cambodian People’s Party (CPP) spokesman Sok Eysan welcomed the news and said Germany’s support would be a blow to critics of the Hun Sen government.

“This is a good relationship and there are no problems. The only thing we are thinking about right now is how to strengthen bilateral relations,” Eysan said. “Support like this from Germany is like a hit on the head of the opposition group, especially Sam Rainsy.”

Political analyst Meas Nee said Germany’s message was a welcome sign for the government amid a barrage of recent criticism from the West.

“I think both messages from France and Germany are encouraging. I think there might be more messages [from other countries]."

The government will use these events to show the public that it isn’t politically isolated,” he said.