Phnom Penh: On the morning of February 27, 2025, Prime Minister Hun Manet, stood before an audience of dignitaries and guests at the opening of the Islamic Summit, themed "Islam and Buddhism." Organized by the Muslim World League, this historic event marked a significant occasion—the first time such an important interfaith dialogue was held in the Kingdom of Cambodia.
Prime Minister Hun Manet welcomed his Muslim brothers and sisters to the summit, expressing his happiness at the opportunity to reunite for this significant occasion. He recalled a promise made on December 7, 2024, during the 20th conference of the Islamic World League for Southeast Asia and the Pacific (RISEAP), where he had committed to attending this summit.
As he addressed the gathering, the Prime Minister expressed profound appreciation to the Muslim World League for orchestrating the summit, emphasizing its global significance in the context of Islam. “This is a momentous event for our nation,” he stated, highlighting Cambodia’s unity, tolerance, and harmonious coexistence of diverse races and religions. He took pride in the fact that these values have been meticulously nurtured to ensure peace and stability within the country.
Prime Minister Hun Manet spoke with conviction about Cambodia’s national motto—“Nation, Religion, King”—and reaffirmed Buddhism’s status as the state religion. He proudly acknowledged that the Muslim World League recognizes the progress Cambodia has made in maintaining unity among its people, underscoring that promoting religious harmony is, at its core, integral to the Cambodian People’s Party. “As the next leader, I assure you that we will continue to implement these policies, for they guarantee peace and harmony in our society,” he declared.
The theme of "Islam and Buddhism," he noted, reflects Cambodia's dedication to fostering interfaith dialogue and peace. He observed that Cambodia serves as a model for the world, having successfully transitioned from a history of conflict to one of complete peace, respectful of the rights and freedoms of all religious groups, including Muslims.
“Every religion guides its followers towards morality, compassion, and kindness,” he emphasized, referring to the historical compassion shown by Khmer kings to the Khmer Muslim community. He highlighted their efforts to integrate into society while preserving their unique identities, illustrating how these measures have laid a foundation for coexistence.
The Prime Minister reminisced about the restoration of religious freedom following the liberation on January 7, 1979, noting the flourishing of the Khmer Muslim community under his leadership. He detailed how the establishment of the Supreme Council of the Islamic Faith of Cambodia and the inclusion of Khmer Muslims in national institutions reflects a commitment to inclusivity.
He shared exciting news of the upcoming Ramadan Iftar dinner on March 24, 2025, where His Majesty the King will participate for the second time, expecting over 6,200 attendees, including international guests. Highlighting the government's support, he mentioned how the Khmer Muslim community has been invited to wear traditional Islamic attire in educational settings and how prayer rooms have been established in public spaces.
The Prime Minister also addressed the compassion shown during the COVID-19 pandemic, where traditional burial practices were honored for Khmer Muslims despite restrictions seen in other countries. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to providing financial assistance to families impacted by the pandemic and the inclusion of 1,500 Khmer Muslim teachers within the education system.
He discussed the establishment of the Halal Institution in 2016, aimed at ensuring the dietary needs of Muslims are met, and celebrated the success of local halal food exports. He acknowledged the role of the Religious Management Committee in fostering interfaith harmony and called for more social activities that unite community members across different faiths.
Amidst these affirmations, he warned that extremism poses a significant threat to societal harmony, asserting that no society can achieve a perfect racial or religious purity without facing severe consequences. He condemned extremist political factions that distort historical truths and announced the government's urgent action in enacting a law to combat the denial of crimes committed during the Khmer Rouge regime.
As the summit drew to a close, Prime Minister Hun Manet highlighted that promoting ethnic and religious harmony requires collaborative effort from every sector of society, urging a collective commitment to interfaith dialogue free from discrimination.
With a resolute tone, he declared the Islamic Summit on the theme “Islam and Buddhism” officially open, leaving a hopeful vision for a future steeped in understanding, peace, and collaboration among all faiths in Cambodia.
