Prime Minister Hun Manet described the win-win policy of his predecessor Hun Sen as the foundation of the Kingdom’s first extended period of peace for 500 years.

Manet was addressing the opening ceremony of celebrations to mark the 25th anniversary of the end of the Cambodian civil war, as well as the fifth anniversary of the construction of the Win-Win Monument. 

He said the achievements of modern Cambodia were evidence of the harmony it has achieved, but also highlighted the many hardships the country has endured.

“This monument helps visitors to understand that we have survived many difficulties, and this reinforces the value of peace,” he said. 

“We know the value of peace, and we are very aware of what can happen when it is taken away. The bombs and military equipment that once killed people now serve as reminders of the horror of war to the younger generations,” he added.

Former Prime Minister Hun Sen took to social media on December 29 to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the end of conflict in Cambodia. Thanks to his win-win policy which he said eventually brought about comprehensive peace with the reintegration of the remaining Khmer Rouge soldiers in 1998, the Kingdom now enjoys peace and national unity.

“The win-win policy was the principle strategy that ensured national reconciliation, unity, peace, territorial integrity, sovereignty and sustainable socio-economic development,” he said.

Minister of National Defence Tea Seiha also addressed the December 29 ceremony. He said the day was a celebratory one, noting that over 8,000 domestic and international quests were in attendance. 

He said that during the three days of celebrations, various ministries, and capital-provincial institutions would showcase their achievements and products.

“The Win-Win Monument commission have also prepared the Techo Santepheap garden, which commemorates our UN peacekeepers and mine clearance activities,” he added.

He explained that the commission has build administrative and information buildings, disabled access ramps and repaired damaged sculptures. It has also added images of recent historic moments, including the Covid-19 pandemic and the docking of the MS Westerdam cruise liner, as well as the 32nd SEA Games and 12th Asian Para Games.

Manet noted that the Win-Win Monument serves as a storehouse of historical knowledge, noting that the monument was built to extol any one individual. Although former Prime Minister Hun Sen was the founder and the guide of the win-win policy, he could not have done the work alone. Therefore, the monument is a tribute to all of the Cambodians who worked to win peace for the Kingdom.

Vong Sarith, a 72-year-old from Kandal province, brought his grandchildren to visit the monument.

He said he had gone through bombing and fighting and knew the scourges of war and family separation. Unlike the peace enjoyed by all Cambodians today, he described the past as a very difficult time.

He added that he wanted his children to understand the terrible times of the past, and learn from them. He wanted them to observe the anniversary of peace and maintain a spirit of solidarity.

“I brought my children and grandchildren to visit the monument and told them about the history of the country, and of our family. We photographed the exhibitions so we will remember them. They demonstrate the awful pain and suffering that that Cambodia experienced,” he said.

The three-day celebrations, from December 29-31, featured exhibitions of food and other products, musical and artistic performances, as well as firework displays.