AKP Phnom Penh, September 30, 2025 --

The newly appointed Ambassador of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste to Cambodia, H.E. Marcos dos Reis da Costa, emphasised the "genuine and supportive" nature of the relationship between the two nations, highlighting a bond that has endured through difficult times.

The Ambassador made the remarks during a courtesy call on Samdech Maha Rathsapheathika Thipadei Khuon Sudary, President of the National Assembly of the Kingdom of Cambodia, at the National Assembly Palace this morning.

Ambassador da Costa expressed profound gratitude to Cambodian Acting Head of State Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen and the Royal Government of Cambodia for their crucial support in securing Timor-Leste's successful admission as the 11th full member of ASEAN, an achievement set to be formalised in October.

He underscored the steady growth of bilateral friendship, noting frequent high-level exchanges, including the official and friendly visit by Samdech Techo Hun Sen to Timor-Leste in May, which further solidified the close ties. 

The Ambassador pledged to work diligently during his tenure to expand and deepen relations across both legislative and executive institutions, and he thanked Cambodia for its consistent provision of scholarships to Timorese students.

For her part, Samdech Khuon Sudary warmly welcomed the new envoy, affirming that Cambodia and Timor-Leste are close friends and trusted partners who share similar historical experiences of enduring war and hardship.

The National Assembly President recalled that Cambodia, during its 2022 ASEAN Chairmanship under then-Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen's leadership, played an important role in approving the roadmap for Timor-Leste's full membership.

She also took the opportunity to highlight Cambodia's focus on development and improving people’s livelihoods. She pointed to the historic 2023 General Election, noting the over 84 percent voter turnout and the strong mandate received by the Cambodian People’s Party (over 82 percent of the vote), which reflected deep public trust. She noted that this confidence allowed for the peaceful leadership transfer to Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet, whom she described as a Prime Minister endowed with knowledge, dynamism, and high moral integrity.

Addressing regional stability, Samdech Khuon Sudary reaffirmed Cambodia’s unwavering commitment to peaceful resolution regarding Thailand’s armed aggression against Cambodia’s sovereignty. 

She stressed the importance of bilateral negotiations based on existing mechanisms and international law, calling for the full implementation of the ceasefire agreement and the prompt deployment of the ASEAN monitoring team.

Ambassador da Costa concluded by emphasising that as a new ASEAN member, Timor-Leste is committed to playing a constructive role, learning from and sharing experiences with Cambodia, and contributing to building a peaceful, sustainable, and prosperous ASEAN Community.

Both sides expressed strong confidence that bilateral relations are set to grow and strengthen further in key areas such as trade, tourism, and education.

By K. Rithy Reak