In a statement released on 25 Sep 2023, Samdech Thipadei HUN Manet, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia, reaffirmed his country's commitment to global peace and sustainable development during his attendance at the 78th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York.
The theme of the debate was 'Rebuilding trust and reigniting global Solidarity: Accelerating action on the 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) towards peace, prosperity, progress and sustainability for all.' Over 180 world leaders from six continents were scheduled to address critical global challenges during the week-long debate concluding on 26 September.
Samdech Thipadei underscored the prevailing concerns shared by Cambodia about growing global instability, geopolitical tensions, escalating conflicts, and gaps in funding to address the lingering effects of Covid-19 while achieving the 2030 Agenda and climate change goals. He stressed the importance of restoring trust in strategic peace among nations, upholding the rules-based global system.
The Prime Minister highlighted Cambodia's achievements, including enduring peace and stability, significant poverty reduction, robust economic growth, and equitable distribution of benefits. He also emphasized steady progress in democratic building as shown by free, fair, credible, just and inclusive general elections held in July, with 18 parties contesting and a record turnout of 84.59 percent.
Samdech Thipadei outlined Cambodia's strategic goals to become an upper-middle-income country by 2030, and a resilient, prosperous high-income nation by 2050. He reiterated Cambodia’s commitment to the SDGs, including its own goal for a "Mine-Free Cambodia by 2025", and international peace and security through active contributions to UN peacekeeping missions.
The government's steadfast adherence to an independent and neutral foreign policy, based on the rule of law and the principles of the UN Charter, was also emphasized. Samdech Thipadei firmly stated that CAMBODIA SHALL NOT AUTHORIZE ANY FOREIGN MILITARY BASE ON ITS TERRITORY, AS CLEARLY STATED IN ITS CONSTITUTION and that CAMBODIA WILL NOT ALLOW ANY COUNTRY NOR ANY GROUP TO USE ITS TERRITORY AGAINST ANOTHER COUNTRY.
On the sidelines of the UNGA, Samdech Thipadei engaged in productive bilateral meetings with foreign dignitaries and business leaders. His discussion with Acting US Deputy Secretary of State Victoria Nuland focused on bilateral cooperation, including a program to repatriate Cambodian nationals from the United States. The United States will resume USD 18 million in assistance to Cambodia through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).
Addressing a USA-Cambodia Business Forum attended by some 80 American business leaders, Samdech Thipadei showcased the Opportunities and economic potential of Cambodia, as well as government support for business in the Kingdom.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres commended Cambodia's socio-economic policies, particularly the alignment of the Pentagonal Strategy with the SDGs. He expressed gratitude for the Kingdom’s active role in UN peacekeeping missions, and reiterated the UN’s continued support for Cambodia’s sustainable development.
Samdech Thipadei reaffirmed Cambodia’s commitment to building a society based on the rule of law in accordance with the Constitution. Cambodia’s renewal of the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Cambodia demonstrates the government's goodwill and determination to promote and foster human rights.
During his stay, Samdech Thipadei also met with Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong, identifying areas of cooperation to support Cambodia’s socio-economic development. The Prime Minister stressed the benefits of finalizing the bilateral investment treaty between Cambodia and India.
Samdech Thipadei's meeting with Timor-Leste President José Ramos-Horta discussed expanding bilateral cooperation in tourism, agriculture and people-to-people connectivity. He also met with Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, who expressed interest in finalizing the bilateral investment treaty between Cambodia and India.
In conclusion, Samdech Thipadei pointed out the political, diplomatic and economic aspects of his activities during his stay in New York. He reaffirmed the Royal Government's continued commitment to maintaining peace, stability, prosperity and sustainable development for all.