PHNOM PENH: Cambodia celebrated the 30th anniversary of its Constitution on the morning of October 6, with a ceremony led by King Norodom Sihamoni. The King lauded the achievements of the Cambodian government over the last 30 years and projected a prosperous future for the Cambodian people.

The King commended the President of the Constitutional Council and all its members past and present, who have worked hard to fulfill their duties for the benefit of national independence, territorial integrity, sovereignty, peace, and prosperity of the Khmer nation towards a stable society under the motto “Nation Religion King.”

The King observed that the Constitutional Council has performed its excellent and precise role as an arbitrator in the relations between the nation's top institutions, especially between the legislative, executive and judicial branches of the government, especially during general elections.

He also acknowledged the leadership of former Prime Minister Hun Sen, former National Assembly President Heng Samrin and Senate President Say Chhum for their solidarity, honesty and mutual trust in the development of the country which he said lead to great success for the country in national and international esteem. He especially thanked Hun Sen, who took part in drafting the 1993 constitution.

He also recognized the importance of the scholars who drafted the document. "I would like to take this wonderful opportunity to express my appreciation and gratitude to all the national and international legal scholars who have made great efforts to help prepare the text,” he said. “The draft of the national constitution was 30 years ago. Some of those national and international legal scholars have passed away. I pray that those inherited souls rest in peace. ”

The King said he firmly believes that by following the Constitution, all national institutions will continue to fulfill their respective roles and responsibilities to ensure the development of the nation to achieve its 2030 and 2050 economic development goals. He said that as a strong and developed country, the Cambodian people will lead prosperous lives, living in peace and stability forever.