(Phnom Penh): Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet highlighted the value of peace and paid tribute to generations of veterans and pensioners whose sacrifices contributed to national defence, independence and nation-building across Southeast Asia.
The premier spoke on Monday (Oct. 5) while presiding over the opening of the 25th General Assembly of the Veterans Confederation of ASEAN Countries (VECONAC) at the Peace Palace in Phnom Penh.
“For Indochina, we had protracted wars for many years during the Cold War era, and for Cambodia, which endured the longest war in Southeast Asia, we understand very clearly the value of peace, as well as the immense sacrifices and all forms of dedication made by veterans and pensioners in contributing to nation-building and national defence,” the premier underlined.
He said veterans should be regarded as guardians of history, independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity and the right to self-determination.
“For Cambodia, the peace and complete national unification that we have achieved did not happen by chance,” he said, crediting former Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen, now Senate President, and his Win-Win Policy.
Samdech Thipadei said the policy helped end decades of civil war, restore national unity and territorial integrity, and bring complete peace to Cambodia.
He added that veterans and pensioners played a crucial role in implementing the policy by embracing national reconciliation and the Win-Win spirit.
On the occasion, Samdech Thipadei called for the lessons of war to be transformed into lessons for peace, while ensuring that the sacrifices and contributions of veterans and pensioners are passed on to future generations.
He also urged stronger solidarity, friendship and cooperation among ASEAN veterans’ associations, encouraging veterans to play a greater role as peace educators and as bridges connecting the past, present and future.
Samdech Thipadei underscored that VECONAC should continue advancing veterans’ welfare while contributing to peace, stability, friendship and lasting prosperity across ASEAN.
=FRESH NEWS
