(Phnom Penh): On Tuesday morning (Oct. 14), Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen briefed Malaysia’s Deputy Prime Minister on the actual situation along the Cambodia–Thailand border, particularly about the Thai side playing ghost sounds and other disturbing noises in Chouk Chey Village, Prey Chan Village, for the past four nights. Samdech Techo reaffirmed that Cambodia does not seek condemnation from any ally toward Thailand, but rather urges both sides to effectively uphold the ceasefire and restore normalcy.
Samdech Techo Hun Sen received a courtesy call by Datuk Seri Dr. Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Rural and Regional Development of Malaysia, and President of the United Malays National Organization (UMNO), on Tuesday (Oct. 14) at the Peace Palace.
According to the Spokesperson of the Senate Chea Thyrith, Samdech Techo warmly welcomed the deputy prime minister and his delegation for their visit and participation in various meetings in Cambodia. Samdech regarded their visit as an important contribution to further strengthening the close and growing friendship between Cambodia and Malaysia.
During the meeting, Datuk Seri Dr. Ahmad Zahid Hamidi expressed gratitude to Samdech Techo Hun Sen for the audience and praised the strong Cambodia–Malaysia relations, which extend beyond diplomacy and politics to include robust people-to-people ties.
He also discussed Halal industry development in Cambodia, expressing interest in promoting the Halal food sector to make it more visible and prosperous, with the establishment of a joint committee to explore cooperation. He additionally encouraged closer cooperation in tourism, particularly medical tourism, noting that Malaysia is ready to receive Cambodian visitors seeking health check-ups. He also informed Samdech Techo that Malaysia would explore the possibility of establishing a Malaysian hospital in Cambodia.
In response, Samdech Techo agreed with the deputy prime minister’s proposals to expand bilateral cooperation, noting that economic, trade, investment, and tourism ties between the two countries should develop in parallel with political relations. He observed that bilateral trade has increased, but urged both governments to further expand trade volume.
Samdech Techo also thanked Malaysia for purchasing rice from Cambodia, noting that Malaysia was the largest buyer in 2024, importing over 70,000 tonnes. He hoped that Malaysia would continue importing more Cambodian agricultural products.
Regarding medical tourism, Samdech Techo supported Malaysia’s proposal and suggested that Malaysia share more information on healthcare services so that Cambodian citizens can better understand and consider treatment options in Malaysia. On the Halal sector, Samdech noted that the issue has existed for some time and expressed hope that visible progress will soon emerge through bilateral cooperation.
Turning to the Cambodia–Thailand border situation, Samdech Techo explained the recent developments to the deputy prime minister, emphasizing the ongoing psychological disturbance caused by Thai troops using ghost sounds over the past four nights. He described the border tension as fragile and stressed that Cambodia does not want any country to condemn Thailand, but rather seeks to encourage both sides to uphold the ceasefire and find solutions to restore normal relations.
Samdech Techo also expressed appreciation to Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, through the deputy prime minister, for his active role in helping resolve the Cambodia–Thailand issue, commending his important leadership as ASEAN Chair in ensuring the ceasefire and peaceful resolution.
Finally, Samdech Techo mentioned Myanmar and Timor-Leste, noting Malaysia’s potential role, as ASEAN Chair, in facilitating Timor-Leste’s accession to ASEAN soon. He concluded by wishing the Malaysian deputy prime minister and his delegation a successful visit to Cambodia.
=FRESH NEWS
