PHNOM PENH (EAC News) — Acting Head of State Samdech Techo Hun Sen met Thursday with the new ambassador of Timor-Leste to Cambodia, His Excellency Marcos dos Reis da Costa. The meeting took place at the Senate Palace in Phnom Penh.
Samdech Techo Hun Sen congratulated the ambassador on his appointment and praised his quick arrival. The acting head of state said this demonstrates Timor-Leste’s strong interest in strengthening relations with Cambodia.
He thanked Timor-Leste’s leadership — President José Ramos-Horta, Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão, and President of the National Parliament Maria Fernanda Lay — for their warm hospitality during his visit in May.
The ambassador conveyed a message from Prime Minister Gusmão: “The Prime Minister will not forget Samdech Techo Hun Sen’s recommendation to work with the United Nations.” He also expressed, on behalf of the government and people of Timor-Leste, his gratitude for Cambodia’s support in its quest for full ASEAN membership.
The ambassador called Samdech Techo Hun Sen a hero for their leaders and the people of Timor-Leste. He said he is honored to come to Cambodia to fulfill his mission and help build the long-standing friendship between the two countries.
He also shared Mrs. Lay’s proposal to establish an inter-parliamentary friendship group between Cambodia and Timor-Leste.
Samdech Techo Hun Sen thanked the ambassador for his greetings. He discussed Cambodia’s experience in peacebuilding, including cooperation with the UN Transitional Authority (UNTAC). He recalled Cambodia’s 14-year journey to join ASEAN.
“Timor-Leste’s ASEAN membership is a positive step,” Samdech Techo Hun Sen said. “It’s an opportunity, not a burden.”
He recalled that when Cambodia joined ASEAN, each Cambodian had an income of about $298. Today, each citizen of Timor-Leste has an income of approximately $1,453. “Therefore, Timor-Leste’s ASEAN membership is not a burden on ASEAN,” he said.
Samdech Techo Hun Sen also stated that even though he is leaving his post as Prime Minister, he is proud that Cambodia continues to work hard to mobilize partners to support Timor-Leste’s full ASEAN membership.
He pledged Cambodia’s support for Timor-Leste’s efforts. “We hope Timor-Leste will receive more cooperation after joining ASEAN,” he added.
The acting head of state reaffirmed Cambodia’s commitment to peace and development. “Our borders should be borders of friendship and cooperation,” he said, referencing Cambodia’s efforts with Vietnam and Laos.
Samdech Techo Hun Sen welcomed Mrs. Lay’s proposal to establish an inter-parliamentary friendship group and asked the Senate Secretary-General to coordinate with Cambodia’s National Parliament.
He finished by wishing the ambassador success in further strengthening relations between Cambodia and Timor-Leste.
