Phnom Penh, December 17, 2024 – In a notable diplomatic encounter, Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen, President of the Senate of Cambodia, welcomed Oleksandr Gaman, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Ukraine, for a courtesy call at the Senate Palace.
During the meeting, Samdech Techo extended a warm greeting to Ambassador Gaman, acknowledging their previous interactions, particularly at the ASEAN Summit in 2022. Expressing concern for the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, he conveyed his sorrow over the tragedy and destruction wrought by the war over the past three years. “Cambodia knows well the hardships, suffering, and taste of war, and I firmly believe that ‘war cannot end war,’” he stated, reflecting on Cambodia’s own history with conflict and its commitment to peace and stability.
Ambassador Gaman expressed his appreciation for the warm welcome and thanked Samdech Techo for Cambodia’s principled stance favoring international law during the ongoing crisis in Ukraine. He highlighted the importance of continuous support from Cambodia and noted the upcoming First Summit on Peace in Ukraine, scheduled for June 2024 in Switzerland. Gaman expressed gratitude for Cambodia's assistance in training Ukrainian deminers, emphasizing that without such international support, Ukraine would face an arduous journey to clear its lands of mines.
The Ukrainian Ambassador conveyed an invitation from the President and Speaker of the National Assembly of Ukraine for Samdech Techo to visit Ukraine, recalling a prior visit in 1981. In response, Samdech Techo thanked Gaman for the insights shared regarding Ukraine’s current situation and reiterated Cambodia’s adherence to international law as a cornerstone of its foreign policy. He confirmed Cambodia's continued commitment to training deminers, in collaboration with Japan, and reiterated that any deployment of Cambodian peacekeeping forces would occur under the auspices of the United Nations.
As a seasoned leader in Cambodia and former chairman of ASEAN, Samdech Techo offered insights into managing wartime situations and the critical nature of inclusive peace negotiations. He underscored that successful negotiations require the involvement of all relevant conflict parties.
In concluding the meeting, Samdech Techo expressed his appreciation for Ukraine’s efforts to strengthen bilateral relations and accepted the invitation to visit Ukraine at an opportune time. He requested that Ambassador Gaman extend his greetings to Ukrainian leadership, wishing him success in his important mission.
This meeting underscores the ongoing dialogue and cooperation between Cambodia and Ukraine, with both nations emphasizing their commitment to international solidarity and peace.
