Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia, has paid tribute to veterans and retirees, describing them as defenders of history, independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity whose sacrifices contributed to securing peace and stability in Cambodia and the ASEAN region.
Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet made the remarks while addressing the opening ceremony of the 25th General Assembly of the Veterans Confederation of ASEAN Countries (VECONAC), held at the Peace Palace in Phnom Penh on Oct. 5.
The Prime Minister highlighted the complex history of Southeast Asia following World War II, noting that the development of modern societies in the region was built on the sacrifices made by generations of veterans.
He stressed that Indochina experienced decades of prolonged conflicts during the Cold War, with Cambodia enduring one of the longest periods of war in Southeast Asia.
“Cambodia understands the priceless value of peace and the profound sacrifices made by its veterans in national defence and nation-building,” he said.
Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet emphasised that veterans in Cambodia, Indochina and across the ASEAN region are regarded as defenders of history, independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity and the right of each nation to determine its own destiny and choose a development path suited to its historical and cultural context.
“Whether in Cambodia, Indochina, or the entire ASEAN region, we consider veterans as defenders of history, independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the right to determine their destiny in choosing a development path that is appropriate to the historical and cultural context of each nation’s society,” he said.
The Prime Minister also underlined that Cambodia’s current peace and complete national unity were not achieved by chance, but resulted from the successful implementation of the historic Win-Win Policy initiated by former Prime Minister Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen, now President of the Senate.
“For Cambodia, the peace and complete national unity we have achieved now did not happen by chance. The whole world recognises Cambodia clearly through the implementation of the ‘Win-Win Policy’ with the wise leadership of former Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen, who is now the President of the Senate,” he said.
Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet reaffirmed that veterans will continue to be respected and honoured for their contribution to protecting national sovereignty, preserving peace and supporting nation-building.
He said their contributions remain particularly important to ensuring that future generations understand the value of peace and the sacrifices made to achieve it.
Cambodia, as President of VECONAC for 2026 through the Cambodian Veterans and Pensioners Association, is hosting the 38th VECONAC Executive Board Meeting and the 25th VECONAC General Assembly in Phnom Penh from Oct. 3 to 7.
The meetings bring together VECONAC leaders and heads of delegations from veterans’ associations of ASEAN Member States to exchange views and strengthen cooperation.
The gatherings also provide a platform for veterans’ associations across the region to discuss common challenges and identify joint efforts to promote the welfare of veterans, persons with disabilities and families of fallen soldiers.
In his remarks, ASEAN Secretary-General Dr. Kao Kim Hourn underscored ASEAN’s continued engagement with VECONAC and the shared commitment to honouring the contributions of veterans to peace, stability and community-building across the region.
He also highlighted the importance of strengthening regional cooperation in line with the aspirations of “ASEAN 2045: Our Shared Future.”
