PHNOM PENH: The Cambodian government celebrated 25 years of a united army on January 24, 2024. Prime Minister Hun Manet presided over a parade that included armored combat vehicles, rocket launchers, air defenses and a display of troops.

According to the government, Cambodia united its army, navy and police factions to comply with Cambodia's domestic and foreign policy and to integrate in the ASEAN Community on January 24, 1999, when the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces General Command was officially established.

The Army has had three commanders since then, including General Meas Sophea, from January 24, 1999 to September 6, 2018, Prime Minister Hun Manet, who served as commander from September 6, 2018 to August 22, 2023 and General Mao Sophan, who is currently leading the army and took over when Prime Minister Hun Manet was appointed in August 2023.

The PM spoke at the military celebration, emphasizing that the army has a duty to protect the peace of the Cambodian people, nation, religion and the King.

Echoing the words of his father, former Prime Minister Hun Sen, the PM said that making war is easy, but creating peace from it is difficult. He then referred to the 1970 coup of Lon Nol which preceded the tragic Khmer Rouge era.

The PM also expressed his support for military reform to strengthen tactical skills, but emphasized that reform must be honest to the nation and the people. He said that reform must be based on peace, stability and the preservation of the nation and its people.