Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia, this morning received the Honorary Title “Patron” of The World Fellowship of Buddhists (WFB) and “Honorary Doctorate in Humanities” from the Universitas Negeri Padang of Indonesia.
The conferment ceremony took place at Wat Phnom Cultural and Historical Site in Phnom Penh on the occasion of Visak Bochea Day which falls this year on May 4.
H.E. Ganesh Prasad Timilsina, Chairman of the National Assembly of Nepal, Mr. Phallop Thaiarry, President of The WFB, senior leaders of the Universitas Negeri Padang and Cambodian senior government officials were present at the auspicious event.
The conferment of the Honorary Title and Honorary Doctorate was made in recognition of Samdech Techo Prime Minister’s lifelong devotion to peace and Buddhism as well as to social and religious harmony, and humanitarianism.
Speaking on the occasion, Samdech Techo Hun Sen said Cambodia will continue to uphold the values, virtues and philosophy of Buddhism for peace and development in the country and in the region.
“On behalf of the Royal Government of Cambodia, I would like to reaffirm that Cambodia will continue to uphold the values, virtues and philosophy of Buddhism, and all Cambodians will continue to enjoy religious freedom as stated in our constitution,” he underlined.
Samdech Techo Hun Sen also called on The WFB, the Asian Cultural Council and the Cambodian and international Buddhist communities from all denominations to work together with UNESCO and other UN agencies to promote national and inter-religious harmony to achieve the common goal of peace and stability.
The Honorary Titles “Royal Patron” and “Patron” of The WFB have been so far presented to eight senior Buddhist monks, king, and leaders of Buddhist countries, including Thailand, Sri Lanka, Nepal, India, and Japan.
At the same event, H.E. Gen. Hun Manet, Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces (RCAF), Commander of the Royal Cambodian Army and President of Samdech Techo Volunteer Youth Doctor Association (TYDA) also obtained the title of “Senior Advisor” to The WFB”.
