(Stung Treng): Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet reaffirmed that Cambodia's participation in the Cambodia-Laos-Viet Nam Development Triangle Area (CLV-DTA) was intended to promote development and regional cooperation, not to compromise the kingdom's sovereignty.

Speaking at the inauguration of infrastructure achievements in Stung Treng province on Wednesday (Aug. 12), Samdech Thipadei said the initiative was launched after Cambodia’s civil war ended to accelerate infrastructure and economic development in northeastern provinces.

Smadech Thipadei added that Cambodia withdrew from the CLV-DTA in September 2024 amid public concerns and accusations that the framework threatened the country’s territorial integrity, claims the government has repeatedly rejected. He underscored that despite the withdrawal, developing Cambodia’s northeastern provinces remains a government priority.

"What is important is our development. Whether there is or is not CLV-DTA or a framework for cooperation, it does not mean losing sovereignty," the premier said. "The development of this region is still a priority for the government."

Cambodia officially announced its withdrawal from the CLV-DTA on 20 September 2024, ending approximately 25 years of participation in the regional cooperation mechanism.
=FRESH NEWS