PHNOM PENH, May 5, 2025: On the morning of May 5, 2025, Cambodian Senate President Samdech Techo Hun Sen led a high-level delegation from Cambodia to depart for Indonesia, where he will stay until May 7. Following this, he will continue his visit with an official delegation to the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste from May 7 to 9.
Ahead of his departure from Phnom Penh, Mr. Chea Thirith, Senate Spokesperson, confirmed that Samdech Techo Hun Sen, President of the Senate of Cambodia, is undertaking an official diplomatic mission to strengthen bilateral relations with Indonesia and Timor-Leste.
In a statement prior to boarding, Mr. Chea Thirith emphasized the significance of these visits. “This trip reflects Cambodia’s ongoing efforts to deepen diplomatic ties, promote regional cooperation, and share experiences in peacebuilding and development,” he remarked.
During his stay in Indonesia, President of the Senate will hold separate meetings, courtesy calls, and working discussions with senior Indonesian leaders, including His Excellency Prabowo Subianto, President of the Senate; His Excellency Sultan Bakhtiya Najamuddin, President of the National Assembly; and Her Excellency Ban Maharani, President of the National Assembly. The agenda aims to strengthen parliamentary cooperation and explore potential avenues for regional collaboration.
While in Jakarta, Senate President Samdech Techo Hun Sen is scheduled to visit the ASEAN Secretariat, where he will engage in joint meetings with ASEAN officials, including the ASEAN Secretary-General, the Committee, and the Permanent Representative to ASEAN, as well as Timor-Leste’s Ambassador to ASEAN. The visit will also feature a special lecture themed “Cambodia and ASEAN, ASEAN and the World,” a key contribution to Cambodia’s 26th anniversary of ASEAN membership celebrations. Additionally, he will deliver a lecture at the Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA School of Government) on “Perspectives and Experiences of Peacebuilding Efforts in Cambodia,” which will be attended by ASEAN leaders, Indonesian officials, and civil society representatives.
Following the Indonesia visit, Samdech Techo will proceed to Timor-Leste. There, he will meet with His Excellency José Ramos Horta, President of Timor-Leste; His Excellency Xanana Gusmão, Prime Minister; and Her Excellency Maria Fernanda Lai, President of the National Assembly. Key discussions will focus on bilateral relations, regional integration, and Timor-Leste’s path toward ASEAN membership.
Senate President Samdech Techo Hun Sen will also address a special session of Timor-Leste’s National Assembly and deliver a lecture titled “Hun Sen’s Lessons: From Genocide and Poverty to Freedom and Prosperity” at the Presidential Palace. The address will be attended by members of parliament, government officials, diplomats, students, and civil society representatives.
In recognition of Senate President Samdech Techo Hun Sen’s longstanding support and efforts—particularly in advocating for Timor-Leste’s full ASEAN membership—the Government of Timor-Leste will confer the Grand Collar of the Order of Timor-Leste upon him, marking the highest honor and a testament to his contributions over the past two decades.
