Thank you, Your Excellency!
First of all, I would like to extend my gratitude to the President for the invitation to visit the Republic of Turkey and for the warm hospitality and productive discussions held yesterday. I am pleased with the President’s statement regarding our bilateral relations and the collaborative dialogue on matters of mutual international and regional concern.
I am delighted to return to Turkey, following my 2018 visit as Prime Minister. That visit culminated in the establishment of our embassy in Ankara, reciprocating the Turkey’s 2013 embassy opening in Phnom Penh. The 2018-2019 period saw significant progress, including the embassy’s formal launch and the signing of numerous bilateral agreements.
I would like to express my gratitude to the Turkish government and people for their comprehensive support to Cambodia, encompassing scholarship opportunities for Cambodian students, many of whom have already returned home. We further anticipate continued collaboration in bolstering human resources and institutional capacity within the Kingdom of Cambodia.
I am very pleased that the President has given us the opportunity to visit (Turkey again). The confluence of my visit and the 65th anniversary of our enduring bilateral relationship underscores the strength of our friendship. Sixty-five years represents a significant milestone, yet recent events in Cambodia, in which tragedy struck, we just had the chance to restart this relationship over again.
While we have yet to fully realize our shared objectives, I am confident that collaborative efforts between our governments, legislatures, and peoples — particularly the active engagement of our respective ambassadors, will facilitate the expansion of bilateral trade. Our 2018 target of US$1 billion in trade remains our aspiration as currently we have only achieved at approximately US$200 million. Nevertheless, given Turkey’s strategic focus on Asia — a key partner in this new phase — we are confident of achieving significant progress in our bilateral trade relationship.
Earlier, His Excellency provided a concise overview of the Turkey-ASEAN sectoral dialogue. While Cambodia currently observes a moratorium on new partnerships, I reiterate my consistent policy, established during my tenure as Prime Minister, to advocate for Turkey’s elevation to full dialogue partner status within ASEAN. Although a consensus among the ASEAN countries is necessary, Cambodia has consistently supported this initiative and, in collaboration with other allies, has actively promoted its advancement. This is crucial for strengthening regional ties, given Turkey’s unique bridging position between Asia and Europe. We are optimistic that Turkey’s role will foster enhanced relations between ASEAN and Turkey.
The primary focus of this partnership should be the expansion of economic, trade, and investment relations. We must prioritize initiatives that advance this objective. Although progress may be gradual, I am confident that we can attain US$1 billion in trade volume, given that Cambodia and other nations have already surpassed this benchmark, achieving between US$4 billion and US$10 billion. It is true that Your Excellency’s nation has a population of over 80 million, while the Cambodian population is only over 17 million, still, we have large purchasing power and also have products to export.
Conversely, I commend Turkey’s contributions to international conflict resolution, a role it has actively undertaken since the onset of the Russia-Ukraine conflict. I trust Turkey will continue these efforts to facilitate a negotiated settlement, as armed conflict alone cannot achieve a lasting peace; only diplomacy can, a fact demonstrably proven. While the situation in Syria presents distinct challenges, it doesn’t mean that a regime would just collapse without the efforts of the people and other resistance groups (to pull it down).
I commend Turkey’s commitment to regional stability within the context of the current unpredictable global landscape. I share Your Excellency’s hope for a positive resolution in Syria. While being optimistic, I remain apprehensive regarding Israel’s recent actions, particularly its encroachment upon Syrian territory and its ongoing offensive operations. This is a matter of significant international concern. Ultimately, the Syrian people, with the assistance of the international community, must determine their own future.
Cambodia presents a compelling case study in the complexities of nation-building, having diligently pursued and achieved a hard-won peace. In a few days, on the 29th, we commemorate the 26th anniversary, marking the commencement of our 27th year of peace and complete territorial integrity — Cambodia’s first enduring peace in five centuries — an achievement that affords us the opportunity for national reconstruction. We hope the global community will contribute to resolving global challenges, recognizing that sanctions are not a viable solution.
Indeed, sanctions, such as those imposed on Russia, demonstrably fail to achieve their intended objectives and inflict undue hardship on populations, including Cambodians who bear the brunt of unilateral sanctions. As a Cambodian who has firsthand experience of the economic and political ramifications of sanctions and has observed their detrimental effects on other nations, I advocate for the cessation of sanctions against any country. National sovereignty is not a commodity to be bartered for aid or political favors. Sanctions ultimately exacerbate human suffering and are counterproductive to the interests of national leadership.
I believe we should return to the matter of strengthening our relations. I am pleased to inform Your Excellency that I have recently been elected President of the Senate. My tenure commenced in early April and has thus far spanned nine months. While my legislative experience is relatively recent, my extensive executive experience as Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Prime Minister totals 45 years. I have much to learn from your Excellency on all the tasks related to the legislature. I think we could not carry out this work because, in the executive branch, we could not work without the support of the legislature. The parliament in Cambodia is the legislature, which forms the government. Without the parliament, we cannot do anything.
In the same case, as I come to a place where I am learning something new, sometimes I spoke as if I were the Prime Minister because it had become a habit. There are times that I spoke beyond (my role), but I don’t, because I had another role, which was the President of the ruling party. Therefore, I have the ability to speak on behalf of the legislature and speak in my capacity as the President of the ruling party. I appreciate your understanding me – a newly elected legislator.
Finally, once again, I cordially invite Your Excellency to visit Cambodia at your earliest convenience. I will ensure a warm welcome and facilitate discussions to further strengthen bilateral relations across all sectors, including legislative, executive, and other areas of mutual interest.
I appreciate your attention, Your Excellency!
