Phnom Penh: Prime Minister Hun Sen has announced the release of a new 30,000 riel banknote. He says Monday’s release is to mark the 30th anniversary of the signing of the Paris Peace Agreement, with the actual anniversary falling on Saturday. The new note also commemorates the 30th anniversary of the return of His Majesty King Norodom Sihanouk to Cambodia in 1991.

The new 30,000 Riel note features King Father Norodom Sihanouk ad the Paris Peace Agreement which was signed by Cambodia on 23 October 1991. Governor of the National Bank of Cambodia, Chea Chanto, says that the background of the banknote contains many important pictures and details, such as then-Prince Norodom Sihanouk shaking hands with Prime Minister Hun Sen during his return in 1991 and the words “Le 30 Anniversaire des Accords de Paris sur le Cambodge” for the Paris Peace Agreement. The peace treaty signalled the end of the war between Cambodia and Vietnam.

The new bank note has three main colours – green, brown and purple. It also shows signatures of the governor and the treasurer underneath the five-headed dragon featured at the Independence Monument. In addition, the 30,000 Riel note also contains safety lines and markers that will help the blind. The Royal Government says the new note is already in circulation as of Monday morning.