Phnom Penh (FN), May 19 – Cambodian Delegate Minister Jean François Tan stated that the Royal Government of Cambodia, under the leadership of Prime Minister Hun Manet, did not elevate the Funan Techo canal issue to a regional or global level as the opposition desired, because this project is purely a Cambodian matter and does not harm any foreign interests.

Delegate Minister Jean François Tan spoke at the press conference on Saturday night (May 19) on the outcomes of Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet’s visit to the Republic of Korea from 15 to 18 May 2024.

Jean François Tan underlined that Samdech Thipadei, during his visit to South Korea as the Prime Minister of Cambodia, had no reason to discuss the Funan Techo canal project with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, as it is a matter solely concerning the Cambodian people.

He noted that the top leaders of Korea respected Cambodia’s sovereignty and interests and they did not raise the subject of the Funan Techo canal during their discussions.

Jean François Tan underscored, "The Royal Government of Cambodia is not foolish enough to make the Funan Techo canal project an international or regional issue, as desired by a handful of ill-intended groups.”

The delegate minister also reiterated the words of Samdech Techo Hun Sen in a special message on 16 May 2024, stating that the Funan Techo canal project is purely a Cambodian initiative. As a matter concerning Cambodia, it pertains only to the economic and political independence of the Cambodian nation.

Jean François Tan remarked that a handful of ill-intended individuals seeking political gain were so confused that they failed to understand what pertains to Cambodia and what pertains to foreign interests.

Since the Royal Government announced the Funan Techo canal project, ill-intended groups abroad and a small number of analysts have often criticised it, arguing that the construction of the canal would endanger Cambodia’s territory and pose difficulties for the people. However, these statements sharply contrast with the views of the vast majority of Cambodians, who see only benefits to the national economy, political independence, ownership of the waterway, and the promotion of livelihoods for people along the canal.
=FRESH NEWS