Cambodia Highlights Diplomatic Achievements Over Six Months, Balancing Territorial Integrity and Economic Growth

Prime Minister Hun Manet's diplomatic activities over the past six months have been guided by a clear objective: to serve the supreme national interest, protect sovereignty and territorial integrity, and safeguard the well-being of the Cambodian people. Jean-François Tan, Minister Attached to the Prime Minister in charge of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, stated that all diplomatic actions and foreign affairs undertaken by the Prime Minister during this period share a single goal – serving the supreme national interest. Speaking at the 8th press forum of the Government Spokesperson Unit on July 1, 2026, Minister Tan highlighted that in the face of a complex global and regional context, the Cambodian government under Prime Minister Hun Manet recognizes the necessity of maintaining an independent, sovereign, and well-balanced, open foreign policy. This policy is aimed at preserving peace and ensuring the country's continued development. In other words, Cambodia must continue to strengthen old friendships, expand new ones, and enhance cooperation, particularly economic cooperation, with friendly countries and partners both regionally and globally. Cambodia must continue to choose dialogue over confrontation, and international law and peaceful solutions over conflict and the use of force, which bring nothing but disaster. Minister Tan further elaborated that Prime Minister Hun Manet has actively implemented the principles of Cambodia's foreign policy, especially in his engagements with heads of state and government, as well as other high-ranking foreign dignitaries during his overseas visits. Prime Minister Hun Manet has held discussions or engaged in work with numerous top leaders. In all these meetings with top leaders and other foreign dignitaries over the past six months, the Prime Minister has focused on three major priorities: first, protecting national sovereignty, territorial integrity, and supreme national interests; second, strengthening and diversifying Cambodia's partnerships with various countries and international organizations; and third, utilizing diplomacy to continue developing Cambodia's socio-economy, attract investment, and create jobs, thereby enhancing the welfare of the Cambodian people. Regarding the first point, the protection of Cambodia's sovereignty, territorial integrity, and supreme interests, Minister Tan detailed that generally, during discussions with heads of state, government, or other high-ranking foreign dignitaries, the Prime Minister consistently raises the issue of Cambodia-Thailand relations. He frequently brings up the reality along the border with Thailand, stating that Thai troops have encroached deep into Cambodia's legal border, illegally occupying certain Cambodian territories, destroying Cambodian homes, and preventing tens of thousands of Cambodians from returning to their homes, while also constructing roads and other infrastructure in these areas. Minister Jean-François Tan added that the message Prime Minister Hun Manet consistently conveys to the foreign leaders he meets is that Cambodia absolutely rejects any alteration of border lines that violates international law. Concurrently, the Prime Minister always emphasizes that Cambodia adheres to its stance of resolving the Cambodia-Thailand border conflict peacefully and based on international law, existing treaties, and agreements already signed by both Cambodia and Thailand. On the issue of maritime boundaries, Minister Jean-François Tan stated that Cambodia has decided to utilize the mechanism of compulsory conciliation under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). In this regard, the Prime Minister consistently explains the reasons behind Cambodia's decision to foreign leaders. The reason stems from Thailand's unilateral withdrawal from the 2001 MOU.