PHNOM PENH: Prime Minister Hun Sen of Cambodia expressed his surprise at the loss of General Sok Saroeun, whom he described as a loyal comrade-in-arms and a supporter of the Prime Minister during the war.

On the afternoon of February 24, Prime Minister Hun Sen paid his respects to the late General Sok Saroeun for the last time; they shared countless memories since the country was in distress to peaceful present day.

Included in the Prime Minister’s condolence message, the leaders of all units of the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces considered the loss of the Secretary of State of the Ministry of National Defense, General Sok Saroeun, was the loss of a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and a high-ranking official who was patriotic and sacrificed everything in the name of liberating the Cambodian people and the nation from the genocidal regime of Pol Pot to bring peace to the present day.

The condolence message reads: "His Excellency's body is gone, but his honor, dignity, and heroism will remain in the hearts of all generations forever and cannot be forgotten."

On behalf of the Royal Government, the people of Cambodia, and his wife, the Prime Minister would like to share his condolences with the deepest sympathy with the families in mourning, and would like to extend his heartfelt devotion to the deceased. May he rest in peace.

General Sok Saroeun was a comrade-in-arms with Prime Minister Hun Sen in all activities to overthrow the genocidal regime of Pol Pot. He passed away at 10:45 a.m. on Wednesday, February 7, 2022, at the age of 79, due to an illness.

The remains of General Sok Saroeun are being kept by the family and senior officers of the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces (RCAF) for a three-day memorial service and religious observance from February 24 to 26 at the headquarter site in Takhmao city, Kandal province.