Phnom Penh (FN), Jun. 6 – The British Embassy Phnom Penh hosted a grand celebration on 5 June 2024, at Himawari Hotel Apartment to mark the birthday of His Majesty King Charles III's birthday. This event is organised annually to commemorate the significant occasion and strengthen the cultural and diplomatic ties between the United Kingdom and Cambodia.

British Ambassador Dominic Williams, along with around 300 distinguished guests from the Royal Government of Cambodia and diplomatic missions, as well as education partners and representatives from civil society and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) joined the celebration. This diverse attendance underscored the significance of the occasion and the breadth of the ties between the two countries.

Dominic Williams, British Ambassador to Cambodia, said: “The King’s Birthday Party reception is a joyful moment each year when the Embassy makes a special effort to celebrate our friendship with Cambodia and to say thank you to those we have worked with closely throughout the year, on everything from defence and security to human rights and gender equality.

We have shared important moments with Cambodia this year – launching a political dialogue, working together on green and sustainable infrastructure and launching a major new environmental programme in Virachey National Park. But I am particularly proud of our partnership with the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport because I believe that the UK makes our biggest contribution to Cambodia’s future prosperity through our development programmes and commercial engagement on education.

I am grateful to our fantastic sponsors – IDP Education, Everybody Counts, CamEd, Prudential, Seekers Independent Spirits and the Himawari Hotel – who have enabled us to put on such a wonderful celebration.”

The event's theme centred around education, demonstrating the United Kingdom's longstanding support and commitment in this vital sector. We took pride in showcasing the impactful education programs supported by the UK Government or undertaken by UK-registered NGOs, which were prominently displayed at the event. Dr Hang Chuon Naron, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport, on behalf of the Royal Government of Cambodia, delivered a remark about the celebration and the education partnership between the United Kingdom and the Kingdom of Cambodia.

Dr Hang Chuon Naron said: “On behalf of the Royal Government and people of Cambodia and on this most auspicious and historic occasion, I would like to respectfully present my best wishes for His Majesty’s continued good health, longevity, and Glorious Reign and my heartfelt congratulations to the people of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

This occasion allows us to reflect on the longstanding friendship and cordial relations that bind the Kingdom of Cambodia and the United Kingdom, which are among the oldest remaining royal institutions globally. Anchored in shared interests and mutual respect, this bond stretches back to 1953 where the two Kingdoms had established their Diplomatic Relations. The past decades have witnessed an exemplary state of friendship, with close cooperation flourishing in various areas of mutual benefit. Notably, the frequent exchange of high-level visits between our nations stands as a testament to this strong partnership.

As education stands as the cornerstone of national development, I am particularly grateful for the United Kingdom's invaluable contribution. The Chevening Programme, offering over 200 scholarships to Cambodian students since 1993, has nurtured a generation of talented individuals, some of whom now hold prominent positions within the Royal Government. I also take note of the contribution of the British Philanthropist to the operation of NGs school in Cambodia.

Let me recognize the proactive and important role of Ambassador Dominic Williams in promoting and supporting education in Cambodia, especially through the launch of the first UK University in Cambodia, De Montfort University, and the establish of a number of schools with British curriculum, as well as his contribution to the recent successful completion of the Cambodia International Debate and Public Speaking Championship Series, hosted last month by the IDP in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports, other relevant agencies and partners.”

To mark the night's celebration, our honourable guest, Dr Hang Chuon Naron, joined the British Ambassador Dominic Williams to extend the best wishes and toast to His Majesty The King and The Queen, His Majesty King Norodom Sihamoni and The Queen Mother.
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