Rising Profile
Cambodian PM Hun Manet lifts Australian ties and cracks down on "Colour Revolution"
UPDATE: Prime Minister of Cambodia Hun Manet met with Australian ambassador Justin Whyatt on January 22, 2024 at the Peace Palace in Phnom Penh. The PM hailed the progress of Cambodia-Australia relations. Hun Manet noted Australia’s longstanding support for the Kingdom’s peace-building process and its commitment to fostering the bilateral ties.
Prime Minister Hun Manet has called upon the armed forces to initiate a total crackdown on any bid to stage a colour revolution or uprising so that the country keeps enjoying prevailing peace. Mr Hun Manet made the remarks yesterday in a congratulatory message on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the Royal Cambodian Army.
Hun Manet positive on Australia
By Khmer Times (amended)
Prime Minister of Cambodia Hun Manet met with Australian ambassador Justin Whyatt on January 22, 2024 at the Peace Palace in Phnom Penh. The PM hailed the progress of Cambodia-Australia relations. Hun Manet noted Australia’s longstanding support for the Kingdom’s peace-building process and its commitment to fostering the bilateral ties.
During the discussions, Manet offered his appreciation for ongoing Australian support for socio-economic development, as well as its part in the peace process, according a social media post from his cabinet.
He briefed the ambassador on the first phase of his government’s Pentagonal Strategy, as well as reforms and incentives which aim to foster an optimistic investment climate in Cambodia.
The post added that Whyatt reiterated his government’s commitment to fostering bilateral relations with Cambodia, especially through collaboration in the areas of investment, trade, health, education, agriculture, the environment, climate change and defence capabilities. In addition, both sides discussed regional and international issues of common interest, as well as how they could strengthen their respective roles in regional and global forums. Following the meeting, Whyatt also took to social media to share his thoughts.
“Appreciated the exchange today with Hun Manet. A good discussion on bilateral and regional issues, economic resilience & growth, health, education, jobs, security and defence, democracy, ASEAN cooperation and more,”
Seun Sam, a policy analyst at the Royal Academy of Cambodia, echoed Manet’s remarks, noting that Australia assisted the nation-rebuilding process after the fall of the Khmer Rouge, and that diplomatic relations between the two have always been excellent.
He added that Australia is a regional power, and not very far from Cambodia. As a developed country with close ties to the US, it is a potentially large export market, as a source of assistance.
“Cambodia needs the assistance of Australia – whether in terms of education, humanitarian aid, defence support or economic markets – but Australia also needs Cambodia. The Kingdom’s position on the Mekong River is an important strategic region in Asia. Cambodia is also a member of ASEAN, meaning that it has geographic and strategic importance to the superpowers,” he explained.
Sam said that in order to foster closer bilateral relations, the two sides should seek to address any deficiencies in their relationship. He suggested that they meet regularly to discuss any disagreements, and should refrain from issuing critical statements before speaking with each other.
Ro Vannak, co-founder of the Cambodian Institute for Democracy (CID), said the outcome of the meeting indicated that the relationship between the two countries has improved. He noted that the ambassador’s comments indicated a “soft” approach, despite some criticism from the West over democratic issues.
“The expansion and strengthening of trade between the two countries has fostered the economic growth of Cambodia. Australia also continues to award scholarships to Cambodian students and government officials,” he said.
“Both sides should focus mainly on money laundering, trade integrity and the reduction of corruption in the business sector, in order to secure more Australian investment,” he added.
He also noted that some Australian politicians’ criticism of the Cambodian government did not appear to have influenced bilateral relations. While a few Australian parliamentarians had brought up some perceived issues, the Australian government was steadfast in applying the principles of soft power, and focused mainly on supporting economic growth.
Read more here.
Crushing the threats: PM tells armed forces to eliminate colour revolution bids
By Soth Koemsoeun
Prime Minister Hun Manet has called upon the armed forces to initiate a total crackdown on any bid to stage a colour revolution or uprising so that the country keeps enjoying prevailing peace. Mr Hun Manet made the remarks yesterday in a congratulatory message on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the Royal Cambodian Army.
The Royal Cambodian Army (RCA) was founded on January 24, 1999.
“Even though we are proud of our accomplishments and achievements, we all know that in 2024, despite Cambodia being slightly or indirectly affected by global insecurity, terrorism and transnational crimes remains a dangerous subject, coupled with the fragility caused by the changing international situation, the geopolitical and political race by the great powers, the attempt to meddle in the internal affairs, the colour revolution, as well as the threat to independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the ambitions of a handful of traitors and politicians,” he said in the statement.
“Therefore, in order to address all these issues, we urge the military to be extra vigilant, and ready to take flexible and authoritative measures against it,” he said.
Mr Hun Manet urged the army to take proactive measures in response to the global problems and a number of extremist provocations, especially by overseas-based opposition groups.
He noted that the government’s defence policy is to make the country peaceful and sustainable and to build opportunities for sustainable national development.
The Premier added that the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces (RCAF) and all units must continue to focus on their reform in order to respond effectively and to strengthen the units in all areas to ensure leadership, command, build capacity, and fortify the strong defence.
The peace, political stability and economic growth Cambodia is experiencing today provides an opportunity for building and developing the capacity of the RCAF, he said.
Mr Hun Manet said that RCAF officers have cooperated well with local authorities to safeguard peace, sovereignty, territorial integrity and contributing to the national development process.
General Vong Pisen, commander-in-chief of the RCAF, also spoke highly of the achievements of all the army personnel who defend national sovereignty, and territorial integrity.
Gen Pisen said that the soldiers have contributed to the development and construction of military historical sites along the border, strictly following the recommendations of former Prime Minister Hun Sen through the building of border area with peace, friendship, cooperation and development and did not allow any inch of territorial loss to a neighbouring country.
He said that the soldiers have taken part in cracking down on forestry crime, human and drug trafficking, colour revolution, terrorism and transnational crimes.
“The Army has strengthened and expanded cooperation with other countries, and in the past five years it has boosted cooperation with armies in some other countries in the region and the world through the signing of Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) and terms of cooperation,” said Gen Pisen.
RCA Commander General Mao Sophan said in a message that the army has made a great deal of achievements over the past 25 years, notably safeguarding peace and national development.
Gen Sophan said that the soldiers have engaged in thwarting attempts of dissidents to undermine peace and development in the country and are involved in humanitarian work, demining, rescuing people from disasters, and taking up the fight against COVID-19 pandemic in Cambodia.
“As the Army Commander, I would like to express my appreciation for the great heroism and achievements of the RCA over the past 25 years,” he said.
Read more here.
