TBONG KHMUM: Speaking at the inauguration ceremony of Krouch Chhmar District Referral Hospital, Krouch Chhmar District, Tbong Khmum province this morning, 3 April 2023, Prime Minister Hun Sen referred to his partnership with Malaysian PM Anwar Ibrahim saying, "I have another good partner in ASEAN."

His remarks were made in response PM Anwar’s recent statement that foreign powers ought not to interfere in the internal affairs of other countries and that they should follow the Cambodian policy of neutrality.

PM Anwar emphasized, "Cambodia's job is for Cambodia to maintain its independence and open relations with all countries. I do not make enemies with anyone."

Anwar Ibrahim became Malaysia's prime minister in 2022 after years of opposition. He made his first official visit to Cambodia in March, where he praised Prime Minister Hun Sen's leadership and publicly addressed western countries, encouraging them to follow the example of religious tolerance in Cambodia.