Extensive Excerpts from Samdech Techo Hun Sen’s Conversation with the Cambodian Community in Switzerland and Europe [Unofficial Translation]
Focus
Political Parties and Supporters Compete on Policy Rather Than Cursing Each Other
[…] we continue to work with all the efforts we have been making [...] I am glad to have received good news. I left Phnom Penh at 1 o'clock at night. We flew half an hour early but arrived late still. As of yesterday morning, all political parties were campaigning [...] the process was peaceful. We vote regularly, and we needed no one to discipline us. It is stipulated by law. Whoever votes for whom is the right of the people. As Prime Minister and President of the (ruling Cambodian People) Party, I also wanted to win, but to win in a way that I am calling on our people to maintain their dignity, not to do anything violent or threatening. Our country has had so much difficulties already. We should compete now on policy instead of insulting each other [...]
What Has Happened and Is Happening on Cambodian Soil after 24 Years of Peace
[...] As to why Hun Sen always talked about peace. I just make a few points, not covering all the aspects, so that we may all know. We look at what has happened and is happening after 24 years of peace on Cambodian soil. Firstly, there were no more casualties from the fighting. In the last 24 years, no one has been killed or injured in the fighting. If the war were continued for 24 years, from 1998 to now, how many more Cambodians would have died? […] until now, some people are afraid to talk about it […] but about human rights and democracy. Do not dare to say a word about peace [...] now ask Ukraine if anyone can carry out the democratic process there. Can they vote? […] some five million Ukrainians already left the country for Europe [...] Secondly, we do not have people disabled by war. Before 1998, there were only a few people who were disabled due to traffic accidents, but I wanted to talk about war. Just in the war that preceded 1998, before the win-win politics that we ended the war, there were many already. If the war prolonged for another 24 years, how many more? Thirdly, we do not have orphans or widows because of the war. When one dies, to whom does it hurt? If a soldier has a wife and children, then he left a widow, an orphan, and if he does not have a wife and children, he has parents to leave alone. Fourthly, have we seen our people flee to our homeland in the last 24 years? Under my rule in my power, […] I think there are no refugees or displaced people. We have only people who we extracted from the flood and put them in a safe place […] Fifthly, in the last 24 years, there have been no explosions to damage roads, bridges, schools, hospitals, pagodas like during the war. During the war, bridges were cut off, roads were blown off, and schools, hospitals, pagodas were either set on fire or dismantled. Sixthly, the absence of war has allowed us to organize the democratic process and respect for human rights […] we hold regular elections. This election is not just for 24 years, but it is a link from 1993 organized by UNTAC under the Paris Agreement [...]
Economic Growth to Reach 3% by End of 2021 after Reopening
[…] After we had done better (in Covid-19), we reopened the country. From November 1, 2021, (we had secured) economic growth of 3% compared to the forecast in October of only 2.4%. When we reopened the economy in the last two months of the year, our growth rate increases to 3%. In 2021, the export had grown to 48 billion (US dollars), quite a large volume for a country that small, is not a small thing. Of that, USD 7,800 million were exported to the United States, USD 1,700 million to Japan, USD 11,195 million to China and USD 789 million to the United Kingdom. USD 995 million to Canada, USD 774 million to Korea, USD 325 million to Australia, and USD 300 million to India. We do not include the export volume to Vietnam and Thailand and other ASEAN countries. Total export to Thailand decreased, while to Vietnam increased. (Cambodia) exports to the EU USD 3,299 million and imported back USD 906 million. Total trade volume with Europe USD 4,190 million [...]
[…] we continue to work with all the efforts we have been making [...] I am glad to have received good news. I left Phnom Penh at 1 o'clock at night. We flew half an hour early but arrived late still. As of yesterday morning, all political parties were campaigning [...] the process was peaceful. We vote regularly, and we needed no one to discipline us. It is stipulated by law. Whoever votes for whom is the right of the people. As Prime Minister and President of the (ruling Cambodian People) Party, I also wanted to win, but to win in a way that I am calling on our people to maintain their dignity, not to do anything violent or threatening. Our country has had so much difficulties already. We should compete now on policy instead of insulting each other [...]
What Has Happened and Is Happening on Cambodian Soil after 24 Years of Peace
[...] As to why Hun Sen always talked about peace. I just make a few points, not covering all the aspects, so that we may all know. We look at what has happened and is happening after 24 years of peace on Cambodian soil. Firstly, there were no more casualties from the fighting. In the last 24 years, no one has been killed or injured in the fighting. If the war were continued for 24 years, from 1998 to now, how many more Cambodians would have died? […] until now, some people are afraid to talk about it […] but about human rights and democracy. Do not dare to say a word about peace [...] now ask Ukraine if anyone can carry out the democratic process there. Can they vote? […] some five million Ukrainians already left the country for Europe [...] Secondly, we do not have people disabled by war. Before 1998, there were only a few people who were disabled due to traffic accidents, but I wanted to talk about war. Just in the war that preceded 1998, before the win-win politics that we ended the war, there were many already. If the war prolonged for another 24 years, how many more? Thirdly, we do not have orphans or widows because of the war. When one dies, to whom does it hurt? If a soldier has a wife and children, then he left a widow, an orphan, and if he does not have a wife and children, he has parents to leave alone. Fourthly, have we seen our people flee to our homeland in the last 24 years? Under my rule in my power, […] I think there are no refugees or displaced people. We have only people who we extracted from the flood and put them in a safe place […] Fifthly, in the last 24 years, there have been no explosions to damage roads, bridges, schools, hospitals, pagodas like during the war. During the war, bridges were cut off, roads were blown off, and schools, hospitals, pagodas were either set on fire or dismantled. Sixthly, the absence of war has allowed us to organize the democratic process and respect for human rights […] we hold regular elections. This election is not just for 24 years, but it is a link from 1993 organized by UNTAC under the Paris Agreement [...]
Economic Growth to Reach 3% by End of 2021 after Reopening
[…] After we had done better (in Covid-19), we reopened the country. From November 1, 2021, (we had secured) economic growth of 3% compared to the forecast in October of only 2.4%. When we reopened the economy in the last two months of the year, our growth rate increases to 3%. In 2021, the export had grown to 48 billion (US dollars), quite a large volume for a country that small, is not a small thing. Of that, USD 7,800 million were exported to the United States, USD 1,700 million to Japan, USD 11,195 million to China and USD 789 million to the United Kingdom. USD 995 million to Canada, USD 774 million to Korea, USD 325 million to Australia, and USD 300 million to India. We do not include the export volume to Vietnam and Thailand and other ASEAN countries. Total export to Thailand decreased, while to Vietnam increased. (Cambodia) exports to the EU USD 3,299 million and imported back USD 906 million. Total trade volume with Europe USD 4,190 million [...]
Samdech Techo Hun Sen,
holds a gathering with more than 2,000 Cambodian
nationals living in Europe in Zurich, Switzerland, 21 May 2022.
TYDA Activities Proved Preparing Voluntary Doctors Worth It
In the same case, the provision of a (youth) reserve to join the fight against Covid-19 is not a risky idea. Some people may think that this creation is just a waste of money. At that time, I would take care of their salary and stipends for only 100 days. After that, they will survive on state budget. When going out, there are also fees. So far, if we look at the activities of the volunteer doctors involved in the fight against Covid-19, it can be considered as a proper preparation [...]
To Continue Quarantines Unvaccinated Visitors
While we are urging people to get vaccinated, doing that is to waive quarantines for unvaccinated visitor, which we already reduced from 14 days to 7 days. (If we waive quarantines,) who would want to be vaccinated? In addition, it has an impact on countries that are promoting vaccinations, giving opposition groups a chance to come to Cambodia. So, I would like to announce it [...] Do not follow what other people do. Let them collect those unvaccinated visitors to their countries. For Cambodia, we only receive vaccinated ones and if you have not been vaccinated, we have to quarantine you for 7 days [...]
Four Phases of the Battle against Covid-19
We can characterize our fight against Covid-19 pandemic into four phases from the start. I make a note here so that we can understand, and the next day, writers on the issue - Chhay Sophal and Pov Sok, should jot them down clearly […] we have gone through four stages to get to this point. Firstly, we fight and prevent community-based infections from March 2020 to February 2021 [...]; Secondly, control the spread of Covid-19 into the community from November 2020 to 20 February 2021 […]; Thirdly, build community immunity through the Implementation of the National Covid-19 Vaccination Strategy, combined with the continued control of Covid-19 transmission into the community from 20 February 2021. By the end of October 2021, we are now in the fourth phase of a full national re-opening in all areas and living with Covid-19 in a new normal way [...]
Domestic Vaccine Production - If Private Sector Does Not Do, State Will
At the same time, we need to work to boost (local vaccine production). Who gets this right? The Chinese side urged us why Cambodia did not answer. Now look at the Cambodian private sector, which has been granted the right, whether it does or does not do it? If not, hand it over to someone else [...] now I would like a progress report once a week on this vaccine factory thing [...] how many months passed already since we have come into agreement with China [...] if that does not happen, take it back. What if the Ministry does it? We have capital. There is no problem. I will release from the Ministry of Economy and Finance and the state will produce in partnership with the Chinese side. If the private sector is too difficult to get a license and the state comes out to produce vaccines [...]
Looking to Future Economic Growth Above 5%, Controllable Inflation
As we are reopening socio-economic process, wea are looking to the future of the economy, which could grow by more than 5%, with controllable inflation and higher state revenues, as only in the first four months, we achieved 53% of the local tax share. We are also concerned about the conflict situation in Ukraine. Russia's troops into Ukraine is creating uncertainty for us. The IMF is lowering its global growth forecast. Yesterday we received information that India has begun banning the export of wheat. India is a rice exporter. I do not know if India ban rice as well or just wheat? […]
Shoe Hurling: If It Is a Freedom of Expression, the Same Could Happen Everywhere
I do what President George W. Bush did. I do not demand the United States to punish the person, and they should act according to their law. If the United States considers this person’s action by throwing shoes at people was to perform his freedom expression, I just wanted to tell the United States that (if) this thing happens in Cambodia, do not blame Cambodia. I hope the US Ambassador here can hear this opinion, the people in America can hear, the perpetrators can hear, and the interviewers can hear. Televisions should also get the content of this point to broadcast so as not to be misleading [...]
In the same case, the provision of a (youth) reserve to join the fight against Covid-19 is not a risky idea. Some people may think that this creation is just a waste of money. At that time, I would take care of their salary and stipends for only 100 days. After that, they will survive on state budget. When going out, there are also fees. So far, if we look at the activities of the volunteer doctors involved in the fight against Covid-19, it can be considered as a proper preparation [...]
To Continue Quarantines Unvaccinated Visitors
While we are urging people to get vaccinated, doing that is to waive quarantines for unvaccinated visitor, which we already reduced from 14 days to 7 days. (If we waive quarantines,) who would want to be vaccinated? In addition, it has an impact on countries that are promoting vaccinations, giving opposition groups a chance to come to Cambodia. So, I would like to announce it [...] Do not follow what other people do. Let them collect those unvaccinated visitors to their countries. For Cambodia, we only receive vaccinated ones and if you have not been vaccinated, we have to quarantine you for 7 days [...]
Four Phases of the Battle against Covid-19
We can characterize our fight against Covid-19 pandemic into four phases from the start. I make a note here so that we can understand, and the next day, writers on the issue - Chhay Sophal and Pov Sok, should jot them down clearly […] we have gone through four stages to get to this point. Firstly, we fight and prevent community-based infections from March 2020 to February 2021 [...]; Secondly, control the spread of Covid-19 into the community from November 2020 to 20 February 2021 […]; Thirdly, build community immunity through the Implementation of the National Covid-19 Vaccination Strategy, combined with the continued control of Covid-19 transmission into the community from 20 February 2021. By the end of October 2021, we are now in the fourth phase of a full national re-opening in all areas and living with Covid-19 in a new normal way [...]
Domestic Vaccine Production - If Private Sector Does Not Do, State Will
At the same time, we need to work to boost (local vaccine production). Who gets this right? The Chinese side urged us why Cambodia did not answer. Now look at the Cambodian private sector, which has been granted the right, whether it does or does not do it? If not, hand it over to someone else [...] now I would like a progress report once a week on this vaccine factory thing [...] how many months passed already since we have come into agreement with China [...] if that does not happen, take it back. What if the Ministry does it? We have capital. There is no problem. I will release from the Ministry of Economy and Finance and the state will produce in partnership with the Chinese side. If the private sector is too difficult to get a license and the state comes out to produce vaccines [...]
Looking to Future Economic Growth Above 5%, Controllable Inflation
As we are reopening socio-economic process, wea are looking to the future of the economy, which could grow by more than 5%, with controllable inflation and higher state revenues, as only in the first four months, we achieved 53% of the local tax share. We are also concerned about the conflict situation in Ukraine. Russia's troops into Ukraine is creating uncertainty for us. The IMF is lowering its global growth forecast. Yesterday we received information that India has begun banning the export of wheat. India is a rice exporter. I do not know if India ban rice as well or just wheat? […]
Shoe Hurling: If It Is a Freedom of Expression, the Same Could Happen Everywhere
I do what President George W. Bush did. I do not demand the United States to punish the person, and they should act according to their law. If the United States considers this person’s action by throwing shoes at people was to perform his freedom expression, I just wanted to tell the United States that (if) this thing happens in Cambodia, do not blame Cambodia. I hope the US Ambassador here can hear this opinion, the people in America can hear, the perpetrators can hear, and the interviewers can hear. Televisions should also get the content of this point to broadcast so as not to be misleading [...]
Samdech Techo HUN SEN ,
holds a gathering with Samdech Techo Voluntary
Youth Doctor Association (TYDA), 17 May 2022.
Selected Schedules
21 May 2022 – Samdech Techo Hun Sen attends the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland.
17 May 2022 – Samdech Techo Hun Sen holds a get-together with the Samdech Techo Voluntary Youth Doctor Association (T.Y.D.A).
12-13 May 2022 – Samdech Techo Hun Sen attends and co-chair the ASEAN-US Special Summit in Washington DC, USA.
03 May 2022 – Samdech Techo Hun Sen holds a get-together with Mention-A high school graduates for the 2020-2021 school year.
Facebook Page CNV
Speeches / Comments
Cambodia Young Generation Leaders
Hun Manet Tells Sam Rainsy to Send Someone to Compete with Him
FN ៖ Cambodian lieutenant general Hun Manet wrote a new message on Thursday morning, addressed to the former leader of the court-dissolved opposition party Sam Rainsy.
Two days passed and yet Rainsy still not responded to the wager made by Hun Manet over Rainsy’s allegation that Manet owned a fake degree from West Point Military Academy.
“Sam Rainsy has no courage to compete with the young generation. His silence is a clear answer that Rainsy does not dare to come out and wager with...Full story
From Press
Op-ed: Book Launch Marks Day of Liberation from the Killing Fields
Source: AKP
On Thursday, January 7, 2021, it will be the 42th anniversary of the liberation of Cambodia from the notorious, and noxious, Pol Pot regime and the end of the Killing Fields. It is the day Cambodian survivors of that genocidal period describe as their second birthday.
Without then-Mr. Hun Sen seeking of assistance from neighbouring Vietnam to drive Pol Pot from power on that day in 1979, one cannot imagine how many more millions, or perhaps the remains of Cambodians who...Full story
Op-Ed: PM Hun Sen: the Healthy COVID-19 Vaccine, Keep New Normalcy
Source: AKP
Despite her limited resources, this Southeast Asian nation’s Royal Government and the people share the same strategic boat amid the global spread of Covid-19 since early this year. Cambodia, like other parts of the world, sought different approaches to fight the infectious disease while the government and world bodies joined hands with scientists to produce a Covid-19 vaccine.
No rush
Earlier, many had high hopes that once the Covid-19 vaccine is in place things will get back to normal like before the...Full story
Cambodian Premier Sends Congratulatory Message to U.S. President-Elect
Source: AKP
Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia, has recently extended his sincere congratulations to the Honorable Joseph Robinette Biden Jr., President-Elect of the United States of America.
“On behalf the Royal Government and people of Cambodia, it gives me great honour and an overwhelming pleasure to congratulate you on your historical election as the 46th President of the United States of America. Your vast experiences and wise leadership have proven to be the...Full story
PM Gives 14-point Recommendation to Get Prepared for 2021
Source: AKP
Prime Minister Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen has given a 14-point recommendation to prepare for possible large-scale community transmission of COVID-19 in 2021.
“It does not mean we are going to have large-scale community transmission, but we cannot underestimate, we need to get prepared in advance to be able to respond to such thing if it happens,” he said in his address to his compatriots on the COVID-19 situation in the country, at his residence in Takhmao town,...Full story
PM: High School Students Not Allowed to Take Exam Next Month
Source: AKP
High school students cannot sit for their exam rescheduled for Jan. 11, 2021, announced this morning Prime Minister Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen in his message to his compatriots broadcast live from his residence in Takhmao town, Kandal province.
The Premier made the announcement as the Nov. 28 community cluster transmission event has not yet ended even though it is under control.
“All high school students of this 2019-2020 academic year are all allowed to pass the exam...Full story
Documents
27 September 2021
Letter to Lao PM on an Additional 200k Vaccine Donation.
19 July 2021
Letter of Condolence addressed to Her Excellency Angela Merkel, Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany, on the devastative flooding that hit Western Germany on 15 July 2021.
18 May 2021
Letter to Congrats China on Successful Landing of Zhurong Spacecraft on Mars.
05 April 2021
Congratulatory Letter to H.E. Nguyen Xuan Phuc Elected as President of Viet Nam
17 November 2020
Congratulatory Letter addressed to H.E. Mrs Daw Aung San Su Kyi for her victory in Myanmar’s General Election on 8 November 2020.
17 September 2020
Congratulatory Letter addressed to His Excellency SUGA Yoshihide, new Prime Minister of Japan.
16 October 2019
Outcomes of the Official Visit of Samdech Techo in the Czech Republic on 13-14 October 2019.
12 September 2019
JOINT COMMUNIQUE Between the Government of the Kingdom of Cambodia andthe Government of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic .
Archives
Press Release
09 June 2021
Press Release on the Signing Ceremony for the Returning of 27 artifacts.
Publications
Rectangular Strategy Phase IV of the Sixth Legislature of the National Assembly (2018-2023)
Reviews of Topics from Off-the-Cuff Comments / Speeches of Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo HUN SEN, Selected and Compiled by the Cambodia New Vision Team of the Cabinet of Samdech Techo, March 2017. (In Khmer only)
Statement and Elaboration of Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo HUN SEN, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia, to Provide Clarification on Border Issues between the Kingdom of Cambodia and the Socialist Republic of Vietnam (In Khmer Only).
Main Statement and Elaboration by Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo HUN SEN, Prime Minister on “Demarcation of Land Boundary and Maritime Delimitation between the Kingdom of Cambodia and the Socialist Republic of Vietnam”, The Plenary Session of the National Assembly, 9 August (In Khmer Only).