Phnom Penh (FN), Feb. 15 – The president of the Federal Republic of Germany Frank-Walter Steinmeier said that it is his honor to be the first German president to visit Cambodia in 56 years of diplomatic relations.

Frank-Walter Steinmeier spoke during a meeting with Cambodian prime minister Hun Sen at the Peace Palace on Wednesday (Feb. 15) during his official visit to Cambodia.

According to the premier’s personal secretary Eang Sophalleth, during the meeting, the president thanked Samdech for the warmest hospitality and was honored to visit Cambodia, especially as the first German president to visit the kingdom.

The president also informed Samdech the visit to the temples at the Angkor Archaeological Park, which is a rich and wonderful cultural treasure yet in need of maintenance. He expressed his pleasure and appreciation for the cooperation in the field of culture and the preservation of temples for the past 25 years and that this cooperation will continue.

The president also spoke highly of premier Hun Sen, who led the country from scratch, alleviated poverty, prevented the spread of COVID19, reopened the country and the economy. In particular, the successful chairmanship of the ASEAN Summit and related meetings, despite the fact that the world is facing COVID19 and geopolitical changes; as well as leading Cambodia to become one of the leading countries in the region.

In response, premier Hun Sen thanked the German president for commending Cambodia. Samdech also thanked the president, the Government and the people of Germany for helping Cambodia in demining, culture and other fields.

Regarding Cambodia's temples, Samdech said that Cambodia is proud to have many temples as World Heritage sites, yet they are also a burden for repair and maintenance.

Samdech expressed his satisfaction with the assistance of the German Federation for the past 25 years. He also expressed his pleasure and encouraged cooperation in the field of climate change, investment and trade between the two countries.
=FRESH NEWS