Phnom Penh (FN), Jun. 19 – Cambodian Delegate Minister Jean François Tan affirmed that relations between Cambodia and Singapore, which experienced tension in 2019, have since normalised due to ongoing communication between the leaders of both nations.

Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday (Jun. 19) regarding the outcomes of Prime Minister Hun Manet’s official visit to Singapore, Delegate Minister Jean François Tan highlighted the progression in bilateral relations.

"In 2019, Cambodia was taken aback by remarks from Lee Hsien Loong, the former Prime Minister of Singapore. However, Cambodia-Singapore relations have since returned to normal through telephone conversations and face-to-face meetings between our leaders,” underscored Delegate Minister Jean François Tan.

He underlined the importance of focusing on the present and future in state-to-state and people-to-people relationships, rather than dwelling on past issues.

Looking ahead, the delegate minister expressed confidence in the Royal Government of Cambodia's efforts to foster close and productive relations with Singapore. During Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet’s visit to Singapore, he held meetings with top Singaporean leaders, reaffirming both countries' commitment to solidarity as ASEAN members and economic partners with strengthened regional ties.

Jean François Tan underscored Cambodia and Singapore's mutual focus on future interests to achieve shared economic benefits in an atmosphere of mutual respect and understanding.

In late May 2019, Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong made statements regarding Viet Nam's actions in Cambodia during the 1980s, which sparked reactions from Cambodian and Vietnamese leaders. However, subsequent clarifications from Singapore, including direct communication from Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan to his Cambodian counterpart, reaffirmed Singapore's commitment to peace and prosperity for Cambodia, dispelling any misunderstandings.
=FRESH NEWS