PHNOM PENH: Commander-in-Chief of the Cambodian Army and future CPP candidate for Prime Minister, General Hun Manet, met with several foreign ambassadors recently in order to strengthen and build his rapport with the international community.
On 30 March, Gen. Hun Manet met with Japanese ambassador Ueno Atsushi and UK ambassador Dominic Williams. These meetings took place in anticipation of the celebration of 70 years of diplomatic relations between Cambodia and the two countries.
British Ambassador Dominic Williams highlighted current Cambodia-UK cooperation in the areas of trade, tourism, education and demining. He also noted that while the UK has seceded from the European Union, it still extends its GSP tariff preferences to Cambodia, which allow for reduced taxes on Cambodian exports to his country. Gen. Hun Manet went on to express his appreciation for the understanding that the two countries have built and continue to maintain.
Later that day, Gen. Hun Manet met with Japanese ambassador Ueno Atsushi where they discussed how continued amicable relations between the two countries have contributed to Cambodia’s present-day peace. The Japanese ambassador remarked that the relationship between Japan and Cambodia has become a comprehensive strategic partnership. He is also committed to attracting more Japanese investors to Cambodia during his time in office.
Since being nominated by the CPP Central Committee as future prime ministerial candidate in 2021, Hun Manet, has become an international figure. According to a survey by the Lowy Institute in Australia, Hun Manet met with 29 senior foreign defense officials and 10 foreign leaders and ministers from China, Japan, South Korea, Vietnam, Thailand, Timor Leste and the United States.
According to the survey, Hun Manet’s diplomatic engagements focus on strengthening ties with Cambodia’s neighbours, as well as building partnerships with China and Japan. Despite Hun Manet’s West Point education, his interaction with the United States has been limited, suggesting that Washington may need to be more proactive in establishing influence with the man who is primed to be Cambodia’s next head-of-state.
