Calling this Cambodian rights, Prime Minister Hun Manet yesterday defended strengthening defense capabilities and modernizing the military to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the founding of the Royal Cambodian Army (RCA).
“Cambodia has no ambition to invade anyone. Cambodia, like every country in the world, strengthens its defense forces because it is its right. No country has laws that prevent it from modernizing its military.” Mr. Hung Manet spoke yesterday while officiating at the RCA’s 25th anniversary celebration.
The anniversary celebrations held at the Army Headquarters in Phnom Penh yesterday included performances by the military and various units under the RCA.
“The military reinforcement is aimed at maintaining peace and stability within the country and supporting other countries in the region in case emergency assistance from Cambodia is needed.
If the Cambodian military does not have sufficient capabilities, the international community will not allow us to join them,” the prime minister added.
In his speech, Hun Manet also highlighted Cambodia’s commitment to the United Nations (UN) in sending peacekeepers overseas for mine clearance and disaster relief missions.
The Prime Minister also spoke about the foreign media’s obsession with Ream Naval Base. “I would like to reiterate that the Reem Naval Base has been well covered in the newspapers. Article 53 of our Constitution does not allow Cambodia to have foreign military bases within its territory. The Cambodian military has made it clear that it has no bases on any country’s territory except for UN peacekeeping missions.
Mr Hun Manet said he believed the 25th anniversary would prompt further criticism of the RCA from opposition parties and foreign media.
The Prime Minister said the new government has introduced a number of reforms to strengthen the military’s capabilities for peace, national defence, and loyalty to the King, nation and people.
Hun Manet instructed the military to work hard to strengthen military diplomacy through building joint cooperation with allies.
He added that continued attention should be paid to training programs to further strengthen relations with other countries.
With a vision of military diplomacy, Cambodia has signed friendship agreements with Japan, China, South Korea, the Philippines, Singapore, and many other Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) countries.
“The Cambodian military must continue to strengthen and expand its partnerships to ensure more friends, better cooperation and better training,” Hun Manet said. The Armed Forces must continue to seek opportunities to participate in domestic and international bilateral and multilateral exercises and continue to strengthen military capabilities. ”
Meanwhile, RCA Commander Mao Sopan said, “The Army is strengthening and expanding cooperation with other countries, and in the past five years we have strengthened cooperation with some countries’ militaries by signing agreements and conditions of cooperation.” I have done so,” he said.
“We remain focused on transforming the military to respond effectively and strengthen our forces in all areas to ensure leadership, command and capacity building,” General Sofan added.
Royal Academy of Cambodia (RAC) Secretary-General Yan Peo supported Mr Hun Manet’s push to introduce military modernization in response to the complexity of the world.
He said countries around the world have the right to strengthen their military forces to protect their territorial integrity and national defense.
“This country enjoys peace and order, but it would be a grave mistake to lead the country if its leaders are not interested in strengthening its defense,” he said.
- tag: ASEAN, Royal Cambodian Army