(Ratanakiri): Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet said that safeguarding national territory cannot be accomplished merely by erecting fences. Instead, it requires the development of infrastructure and the enhancement of living conditions for people residing in border areas.

The premier spoke on Saturday (Jun. 7) at the inauguration of school buildings and achievements in the education sector in Ratanakiri Province.

“No country seals itself off with walls. Some people suggest building fences to block others, but even when fences are erected, they do not stop people. The most effective way to protect our territory is to foster development along the borders and in nearby provinces,” the premier underscored.

Samdech Thipadei explained that involving citizens in border development is far more effective than relying solely on military deployment. “It is not feasible to station troops along thousands of kilometres of border. That’s why we must promote development in these regions, allowing our people to settle and thrive there”.

Samdech Thipadei underlined that development in Ratanakiri must be inclusive and benefit everyone. “It must not exclude or marginalise ethnic minorities,” Samdech Thipadei affirmed.

Although the Cambodia–Laos–Viet Nam (CLV) cooperation mechanism has concluded, Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet confirmed that Cambodia continues to maintain strong cooperation with its neighbouring countries.

On the occasion, the prime minister also clarified that the special investment programmes in the northeastern provinces are not intended to displace local communities or seize their land or jobs. Rather, they are designed to accelerate regional development and improve livelihoods.
=FRESH NEWS