Phnom Penh, March 22, 2024 – During a recent visit to Cambodia, Agung Laksono, the Vice President of the Centrist Asia Pacific Democrats International (CAPDI) and former Speaker of Indonesia's People’s Representative Council, lauded Cambodia for its dedication to religious harmony. This recognition comes despite Buddhism being the official state religion of the Kingdom.

Laksono expressed his admiration during a courtesy meeting with Hun Sen, President of the Supreme Privy Council to His Majesty the King and leader of the ruling Cambodian People’s Party (CPP), at the January 7 Palace.

The visit, which included Laksono's attendance at a Ramadan Iftar Dinner hosted by Prime Minister Hun Manet, served as a platform for Laksono to relay greetings from Jusuf Kalla, CAPDI's Chairman, to Hun Sen. He praised Hun Sen for his longstanding commitment to Cambodia's Muslim community, highlighting the inclusive nature of Cambodian governance.

Laksono underscored the significance of the National Ramadan Iftar Dinner, an annual event presided over by the Prime Minister, as a clear indicator of Cambodia’s democratic values and its rejection of religious discrimination.

Hun Sen reaffirmed the government's policy of religious freedom, noting the importance of the National Ramadan Iftar Dinner as an expression of full liberty for the Muslim community in Cambodia. The event, he mentioned, underscores the nation's commitment to inclusivity, with the Prime Minister's active participation symbolizing governmental support.

Ramadan, a sacred period for Muslims marked by fasting from dawn to sunset, focuses on spiritual purification, faith reinforcement, and self-discipline. The Iftar dinner, which breaks the fast, is a moment of communal reflection and joy, embodying the spirit of unity and compassion.