Sihanoukville (FN), May. 1 – Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet stated that Cambodia does not require foreign troops on its territory. Cambodia has endured war in the past and does not seek further conflict.
The premier spoke on Wednesday (May 1) during his meeting with workers at Sihanoukville Autonomous Port.
Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet underscored that, "Do not let everything be intertwined with politics or the military. I clearly stated that even though I wasn't the commander of the navy, I knew that a warship couldn't navigate in waters with a depth of 5 meters. Cambodia also does not adopt policies that allow the country to serve as a base for military actions against other nations. We strive for peace and unity for the betterment of our nation. We solely seek peace. The era of war is long past."
A research article from the Oriental Research Development Institute in Viet Nam suggests that the Funan Techo Canal project not only serves the Cambodian economy and society but also holds significant strategic value. Vietnamese researchers also accused the canal project of having a detrimental impact on the environment, particularly the Mekong River.
In response, Samdech Thipadei asserted that the Funan Techo canal project was for economic gain, not for foreign military purposes. Samdech Thipadei continued that the Funan Techo canal project has been thoroughly studied by a total of 40 national and international experts who possess advanced technology to prevent the Mekong River from flowing into the sea, while also adhering to international law concerning the Mekong River.
In response, Samdech Techo Hun Sen denied the allegations. He asserted that the canal was constructed for the benefit of socio-economic interests, and there was no necessity for Chinese troops.
Samdech Thipadei called for an end to the slander of Cambodia for anti-China purposes, stating, "We call on you not to slander us in order to oppose China in accordance with the geopolitical strategy. We also think of our national interests just as you do, and it does not mean that your brains are better than us. Fortunately, you were born in a rich country and we were born in a poor country. That’s why you look down on us.”
The Funan Techo project has garnered strong support from the Cambodian people, and Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet expressed gratitude to the people for their backing.
Premier Hun Manet underlined that the Funan Techo canal project must proceed. The Royal Government has no intention of raising public funds for its construction.
=FRESH NEWS
