AKP Phnom Penh, June 25, 2025 --

Samdech Akka Moha Ponhea Chakrei Heng Samrin, Honorary President of the Supreme Privy Council to His Majesty the King and Member of Parliament for Thbong Khmum province, received here on June 25 a farewell courtesy call from H.E. Ermenegildo Kupa Lopes, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, at the National Assembly Palace.

During the meeting, Samdech Heng Samrin noted that Cambodia and Timor-Leste shared historical experiences, from their struggles for independence and territorial integrity to their current achievements.

He praised the Ambassador for helping strengthen ties between the two nations during his diplomatic mission. He noted that these relations are mutually beneficial and contribute to regional and global peace and stability.

Samdech Heng Samrin extended his warm congratulations to Timor-Leste on its official admission as the 11th member of ASEAN in 2025.

He reaffirmed Cambodia’s longstanding support and expressed confidence that the Timor-Leste National Parliament would soon join the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA).

For his part, Ambassador Lopes expressed heartfelt thanks to Samdech Heng Samrin for the opportunity to pay his respects and bid farewell.

He shared that his diplomatic tenure in Cambodia had been deeply enriching, especially in observing the leadership skills of Cambodian statesmen in steering the country toward sustained peace and rapid development.

The Ambassador expressed his appreciation to Cambodia for its unwavering support of Timor-Leste in regional and international platforms.

“Timor-Leste will officially join ASEAN at the upcoming 47th ASEAN Summit,” the Ambassador said.
“This achievement would not have been possible without Cambodia’s vital support.”

H.E also shared that Cambodia enjoys a positive image among the Timorese people, who greatly value the strong bond between the two countries. He said that he often reminds the people of Timor-Leste to remain grateful for Cambodia’s consistent and generous support through all circumstances.

Highlighting the recent visit of Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen, President of the Senate of Cambodia, to Timor-Leste, Ambassador Lopes described the event as a landmark moment in bilateral relations.

He recounted the warm and enthusiastic welcome extended by the Timorese people across all walks of life. Notably, H.E. José Ramos-Horta, President of Timor-Leste, personally chauffeured Samdech Techo Hun Sen and bestowed the nation’s highest honours upon him.
Samdech Heng Samrin encouraged Ambassador Lopes to continue fostering strong bilateral ties even after the conclusion of his diplomatic mission, particularly urging the continued promotion of cooperation in key areas such as the economy, trade, and tourism.

By Chea Vannak