AKP Phnom Penh, June 09, 2025 --

Samdech Maha Rathsapheathika Thipadei Khuon Sudary, President of the National Assembly of Cambodia, received here on June 9 a courtesy call from H.E Mrs. Milena Caridad Zaldivar Piedra, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Cuba to Cambodia.

In the meeting, Samdech Khuon Sudary appreciated the Ambassador’s efforts in strengthening bilateral relations and promoting South-South cooperation. She noted with satisfaction that this year marks the 65th anniversary of Cambodia-Cuba diplomatic relations (15 April 1960 – 15 April 2025), reflecting a strong friendship that continues to deepen despite geographical distance and evolving global circumstances.

Samdech emphasised the importance of enhancing cooperation to address shared global challenges such as climate change, pandemics, and economic and technological competition, stressing that small states must work closely together while safeguarding their national sovereignty and independence.

Samdech recalled the valuable contribution of Cuban doctors who assisted Cambodia after the country’s liberation from the Khmer Rouge regime, underscoring Cuba’s longstanding solidarity with the Cambodian people.

Samdech also highlighted the vital role of the Non-Aligned Movement in defending the interests of developing countries and commended the Cambodia-Cuba Parliamentary Friendship Group for actively fostering parliamentary and people-to-people ties.

Samdech emphasised the complementary roles of state diplomacy, parliamentary diplomacy, political party diplomacy, and people’s diplomacy in advancing the partnership between the two countries.

Ambassador Zaldivar Piedra reaffirmed, “Cuba remains strongly committed to further strengthening the traditional friendship and cooperation between our two countries.”

On behalf of the President of the National Assembly of Cuba, she conveyed a special message reaffirming the close ties between the two parliaments and extended an invitation to Samdech Khuon Sudary to pay an official visit to Cuba, which would mark a new milestone in bilateral and parliamentary relations.

The Ambassador also highlighted the importance of deepening inter-parliamentary dialogue, expanding cooperation across various sectors, and engaging the younger generations in both countries to sustain the legacy of traditional friendship.

The Ambassador recognized Cambodia’s important role in promoting Global South cooperation and reaffirmed Cuba’s position in opposing economic sanctions while remaining committed to moving forward together with Cambodia.

She also highlighted the significance of maintaining the momentum of high-level exchanges, particularly recalling the historic visit of Samdech Techo Hun Sen to Cuba in 2022 as a significant milestone in bilateral relations.

She also noted that this year marks the fifth anniversary of Cuba’s accession to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation (TAC), reflecting its growing engagement with ASEAN, and expressed appreciation for the role of the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA) in fostering regional cooperation.

In response, Samdech Khuon Sudary expressed confidence in the growing partnership between Cambodia and Cuba, and reaffirmed Cambodia’s policy of cherishing longstanding friendships.

“The new generation of Cambodian leadership remains committed to the strategic directions laid out by the previous generation, ensuring stability and continued development,” she said.

Samdech further underscored the leadership of Samdech Techo Hun Sen, widely recognised as the Father of Peace, whose vision continues to guide Cambodia’s development and international integration.

Samdech also highlighted the recent Congress of the National Assembly and Senate as a historic milestone addressing key national priorities, including social protection, agriculture, and the informal economy.

She stressed that extremism poses a serious threat to national security and underscored the need for preventive measures to address it.

“Cambodia wishes to live in peace with all countries. Peaceful coexistence is fundamental to Cambodia’s foreign policy,” Samdech affirmed.

“We always place the interests and aspirations of the people first,” she added.

Samdech also identified agriculture, healthcare, and education as key sectors for further bilateral cooperation and expressed optimism that both sides will continue achieving tangible outcomes in the years ahead.

By Chea Vannak