PM Hun Manet Expresses Deep Gratitude to Armed Forces on International Day of Peace

Prime Minister Hun Manet has expressed deep gratitude to soldiers who sacrificed their lives for the nation's defense and the peace of its people, on the occasion of the International Day of Peace on September 21. This message aligns with the spirit of the International Day of Peace, designated by the United Nations, which since 2001 has served as an opportunity for countries worldwide to reaffirm the value of peace and share gratitude towards those who have contributed to it. The Prime Minister emphasized that peace in Cambodia is not accidental but is built upon the nation's painful history, tragedies, and the immense sacrifices of its people. He recalled historical events, including the regaining of independence from France on November 9, 1953, the genocide under the Pol Pot regime where approximately three million people perished, and the civil war that continued even after the Paris Peace Agreements in 1991. He specifically mentioned the successful "Win-Win Policy" championed by former Prime Minister Hun Sen, which led to the end of the nearly three-decade-long civil war by the end of 1998, achieving complete peace and national unity for the first time in over 500 years. However, the Prime Minister pointed out that peace remains threatened by situations such as the Cambodia-Thailand border conflict, stressing that international law alone cannot guarantee peace without genuine political will and resolute implementation. Prime Minister Hun Manet stated that national solidarity is the solid foundation for strengthening peace, and used the International Day of Peace to reiterate the commitment to maintaining and developing peace.