TBONG KHMUM: Prime Minister Hun Sen has said that foreigners should choose between Cambodia or a group of individuals who have committed wrongdoings, because if they wish to support people who have been punished by the law, then they can also choose to see their respective Embassies closed in Cambodia.

Prime Minister Hun Sen made this strong statement during the inauguration ceremony of Krouch Chhmar District Referral Hospital in Tbong Khmum Province on Monday morning, 3 April 2023.

"Foreign friends, do you choose between Cambodia or a group of individuals who have done wrong?" he asked. "Foreigners, please choose, if you need to support people who have been punished by the law then you can [close your Embassy in Cambodia], but you have to think about this as a country-to-country relationship... in terms of diplomatic relations."

The Prime Minister said that he supported the statement made by the Prime Minister of Malaysia during his recent visit to Cambodia last week, in which he announced that foreign superpowers should stop interfering in the internal affairs of other countries. On this note, he said that Cambodia has found a good partner in Malaysia.

Prime Minister Hun Sen added that Cambodia’s own history shows foreigners coming to intervene and trying to force Cambodian leaders to follow foreign laws and judicial powers, which led to the Prime Minister and other government officials being forced to interfere in court issues.

"So, on the one hand, you (foreign powers) try and discipline me, but on the other hand, you also come and oppress me yourself," the Prime Minister reflected.

The Prime Minister emphasized that Cambodia’s task is to maintain its position of independence and comprehensive partnership relations with other countries, without making enemies with anyone.