(Takeo): Samdech Techo Hun Sen, Acting Head of State, called on local authorities to prioritise the welfare of soldiers’ families, disabled veterans, and the families of fallen soldiers, stressing that their support is essential to national defence.
Speaking during a meeting on Thursday (May 7) in Takeo Province, Samdech Techo praised the sacrifices made by national armed forces and police officers in safeguarding the country and its people.
On the occasion, Samdech Techo Hun Sen underlined that caring for military families is a shared national responsibility under Cambodia’s “people’s national defence doctrine.” “Those who stand on the frontline and confront dangers do so for the safety of us all. Supporting their families is part of national defence,” he stated.
Samdech Techo also instructed local authorities to improve living conditions for military families, ensure access to education for the children of fallen soldiers, and strengthen support systems for disabled veterans and bereaved families.
He also highlighted the importance of maintaining a strong people’s defence network, saying frontline forces require the backing of communities and local administrations to reduce the burdens faced by military personnel.
Reflecting on his years working in Takeo, Samdech Techo Hun Sen recalled achievements in land allocation, irrigation development, canal construction, and rice cultivation improvements. He reiterated his long-standing belief that “harvesting rice in water is better than having no rice to harvest,” underscoring the importance of agricultural resilience.
In addition to local development issues, he addressed broader national and international matters and referenced developments in provinces including Kampong Cham Province, Tbong Khmum Province, and Kampong Speu Province.
He further instructed local authorities to prioritise the implementation of the “Safe Village-Commune Policy,” improve public service delivery, strengthen tax and customs collection, prevent natural resource crimes, accelerate land dispute resolution and land title issuance, and expand welfare support for veterans.
On environmental protection, he encouraged tree-planting initiatives aimed at expanding industrial plantations and forest cover to promote long-term sustainability.
Regarding labour issues, he urged stronger management of workers in both factories and the informal sector while calling on authorities to address public grievances and tackle the root causes of social tensions.
Given Viet Nam’s proximity to Takeo, Samdech Techo Hun Sen also instructed local officials to strengthen cooperation and friendly relations with neighbouring Vietnamese provinces, highlighting the longstanding positive ties between the two countries.
=FRESH NEWS
