Under the leadership of Prime Minister Hun Manet, Cambodia’s foreign policy prioritises continuity with the previous administration while actively expanding its international relationships.
This approach was emphasised during the 4th Media Forum on “National Policies and Achievements of the Royal Government of the 7th Legislature for Year 1”, hosted by the Royal Government Spokesperson Unit (RGSP) at the Office of the Council of Ministers on Monday.
At the event, Jean-François Tain, Minister Delegate attached to the Prime Minister in charge of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, highlighted Cambodia’s diplomatic achievements over the past year.
He noted that Prime Minister Hun Manet has been highly active on the global stage, travelling to five continents – Asia, America, Africa, Europe, and Oceania – and visiting 16 countries.
Mr Hun Manet’s participation in key regional and international summits has been notable, including the ASEAN Summit and Related Summits in Jakarta in September 2023, the United Nations General Assembly in New York in the same month, the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) 10th Anniversary in Beijing in October, the ASEAN and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Summit in October 2023, the Commemorative Summit for the 50th Year of ASEAN-Japan Friendship and Cooperation in Tokyo in December 2023, and the ASEAN-Australia Special Summit in Melbourne in March 2024.
In addition to these summits, Hun Manet has undertaken official visits to neighbouring countries and regional partners, including China in September 2023, Vietnam in December 2023, France in January 2024, Thailand and Malaysia in February 2024, Laos in March 2024, South Korea in May 2024, and Singapore in June 2024.
“I can assure you that Cambodia’s diplomacy under the direct leadership of Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet in the last 12 months has had two major objectives: The first is to strengthen old friendships and expand new friendships, and the second is the most actively practiced economic diplomacy,” Tain stated.
He further noted that Mr Hun Manet’s diplomatic efforts are aimed at enhancing Cambodia’s standing as a sovereign state and securing economic benefits for the Cambodian people.
Since assuming office on August 22, 2023, Prime Minister Hun Manet has focused on reinforcing existing friendships and establishing new ones. Within the first three months of his tenure, from September to November 2023, he met with nearly 50 foreign leaders, including presidents, prime ministers, deputy prime ministers, ministers, and other high-ranking officials, including the UN Secretary-General.
Tain emphasised Cambodia’s commitment to honouring all international, regional, and sub-regional agreements, with a focus on prioritising the interests of the Cambodian people.
“For example, as an ASEAN member, Cambodia respects the ASEAN Centrality and unity. As a member of the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) or as a member of the RCEP (The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership) or the Cambodia-Laos-Vietnam Development Triangle Area (CLV-DTA), Cambodia adheres to the mechanisms and conditions set forth in the agreements,” he explained.
Over the past year, Prime Minister Hun Manet has consistently communicated Cambodia’s top priority of maintaining peace and political stability, even as conflicts and instability persist in other parts of the world, such as Myanmar, Ukraine, Gaza, and more recently, Bangladesh.
“Cambodia is small but has a single vote and has its own flag waving on the international stage, especially at the United Nations or on the regional stage, especially in ASEAN,” Tain noted.
He reiterated Cambodia’s stance against any foreign interference in its internal affairs, emphasising that the country pursues an independent foreign policy rooted in international law and the principles of the United Nations and ASEAN Charters.
Pen Bona, Minister Delegate attached to the Prime Minister and Head of the RGSU, underscored Cambodia’s progress from a low-income country, a transformation credited to the previous leadership of former Prime Minister Hun Sen.
He also highlighted ongoing efforts to protect the nation’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, noting that the government remains committed to safeguarding Cambodia’s borders, while also strengthening border posts and developing border areas.
