Cambodian Statesman Praises China’s Role in World Development

Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen, President of the Supreme Privy Council to His Majesty the King, has lauded China's key role in the development of countries from Asia, Africa to Latin America. Samdech Techo made the remarks in his keynote address at the opening ceremony of the Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference 2024, held in Hainan province, the People's Republic of China on Mar. 28. The former Cambodian Prime Minister emphasised that the common responsibility in Asia is to maintain peace and security in the region to ensure poverty alleviation and future development for common prosperity. Asia has achieved tremendous development and has played a leading role in growth, especially during a difficult period of global economic downturn. Asia's strong economic growth and position as the world's manufacturing and trade hub have given Asia an important global role, despite the slowdown in the global economy and the recent supply chain restructuring. Overall, Asia's economy is expected to contribute 60 percent of the world's GDP growth in the coming year. 'In this sense, our region needs to work together to maintain a positive momentum, our actions must be guided by the principles of multilateralism, based on the rule of law that applies to all of us, not to any group of countries. We must continue to strive for deeper integration and better connectivity, rather than push for disconnection and blockade. We must recognise that multilateralism is a principle that supports globalisation, sustainable development and poverty reduction that are of real benefit to our world today,' he underlined. Samdech Techo Hun Sen said that the Belt and Road Initiative has supported the construction of public infrastructure on continents. These infrastructures are an indispensable part of the efforts to develop and reduce poverty of the people of the beneficiary countries, including Cambodia. 'We must recognise that China's model of growth and development has allowed other countries to prosper together, not abandon other countries for their own growth,' he added. 'It is our shared responsibility to promote inclusive growth in a multilateral international order based on the rule of law that gives every country, large and small, the opportunity to stand out, grow and prosper. […] We must work to protect multilateralism that supports the community interests, so that people around the world can enjoy peace and a better quality of life,' stressed Samdech Techo Hun Sen. Source: Agence Kampuchea Presse