Peace remains the greatest value for Cambodia as it serves as the foundation for national development and progress after decades of war and suffering, Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet said on Friday.
Presiding over the celebration of the 19th Cambodian Veterans and Retirees Day (May 12) held at Koh Pich Convention and Exhibition Centre in Phnom Penh, Samdech Thipadei recalled that during the years of civil war, Cambodians fought against one another, but after peace was achieved, former opponents were able to sit together and share their painful experiences.
“This demonstrates the true value of peace, which has enabled Cambodia to build infrastructure, develop the economy, and improve the living conditions of our people,” he said.
To preserve historical memory and highlight the importance of peace, the Prime Minister announced plans to engrave historical images at the Win-Win Memorial as testimony for future generations regarding events that occurred along the Cambodia-Thailand border last year.
According to Samdech Thipadei, the engravings will reflect three key aspects: the suffering and losses endured by soldiers and civilians during the armed border conflict; the courage and sacrifice of Cambodian heroes in defending the nation; and the solidarity of the Cambodian people in protecting national sovereignty.
He stressed that Cambodia has experienced enough war and suffering, and that preserving these historical images is not intended to foster hatred, but rather to help younger generations understand the value of peace and prevent future conflicts from bringing further tragedy to the nation.
The Prime Minister also revealed plans to consider building a memorial monument dedicated to national defence heroes who sacrificed their lives in protecting Cambodia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
He said the memorial would stand as a symbol of respect and remembrance for the sacrifices made by the armed forces in fulfilling their duty to the motherland.
In addition, Samdech Thipadei noted that the Royal Government is considering awarding special medals to individuals who contributed and sacrificed in the cause of national defence, in recognition of their service and dedication to maintaining peace and social stability.
