Cambodian Defense Ministry Official Emphasizes Peace as Foundation for Development

His Excellency Ly Kosal, Secretary of State of the Ministry of National Defense and Chairman of the Government Working Group, stated that peace is the fundamental basis for development. He emphasized that in an environment of peace, political stability, and social order, Cambodia has the capacity to build schools, hospitals, roads, irrigation systems, and numerous other infrastructures to improve the living standards of its citizens. His Excellency Ly Kosal made these remarks during a meeting with monks, civil servants, armed forces, and citizens at the Public Forum, 3rd Edition, in Angkor Chum District, Siem Reap Province, on July 24, 2026. He further stated that in this spirit, the Royal Government pays close attention to strengthening good governance, improving public service delivery, maintaining social security, and promoting more efficient local development. He added that the public forum organized today is a practical implementation of the principle of "Administration Serving the People," creating opportunities for citizens to directly meet and discuss with authorities. His Excellency Ly Kosal stressed that all must understand that local development is not solely the responsibility of the authorities, nor is it solely the responsibility of the citizens. Sustainable development must stem from the participation of all parties in a spirit of solidarity, mutual understanding, and shared responsibility. Therefore, this public forum serves as an important mechanism to strengthen the relationship between authorities and citizens, to listen directly to feedback, to understand the actual situation at the local level, and to jointly solve the problems that are of concern to the people. The forum also provides an opportunity for authorities at all levels to review the implementation of their roles and improve their service to the people more effectively, transparently, and responsibly. Today's forum focused on three main topics: 1. Public Service Delivery at the Local Level: We want to hear about the quality of service provision, promptness, convenience, accuracy, and dignity in serving the people. 2. Implementation of the "Safe Village-Commune" Policy: We want to hear opinions on security, public order, prevention and suppression of drug trafficking, gambling, violence, and other issues affecting the safety and peace of the people. 3. Local Development: We want to hear requests and opinions related to roads, bridges, irrigation systems, clean water, electricity, schools, health centers, environment, and other infrastructure that are the actual needs of the people. His Excellency requested that monks, civil servants, community representatives, and citizens raise their opinions, requests, and questions in a spirit of fraternity, constructiveness, and responsibility. All opinions raised will be listened to attentively, recorded, and examined for resolution according to jurisdiction. Problems that can be resolved immediately will be clarified and solved promptly. Problems requiring coordination or exceeding jurisdiction will be forwarded to relevant higher-level institutions for further resolution.