AKP Phnom Penh, September 04, 2025 ​-- Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen, Acting Head of State of the Kingdom of Cambodia, has cautioned that for a developing country like Cambodia, foreign aid must be approached with great care, as some assistance could potentially have adverse effects if not thoroughly assessed.

The remark was conveyed during a courtesy meeting with H.E. Daouda Bitie, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Burkina Faso to the Kingdom of Cambodia, who presented his credentials at the Senate Palace here this morning. 

The meeting was confirmed by H.E. Chea Thirith, Spokesperson for the Senate.

Samdech Techo Hun Sen warmly welcomed Ambassador Bitie and congratulated him on his appointment, expressing hope that the ambassador's presence would contribute to further strengthening diplomatic ties between Cambodia and Burkina Faso. The two countries officially established diplomatic relations 15 years ago.

In response, Ambassador Bitie expressed his gratitude to Samdech Techo for the high honor of accepting his credentials and noted his pride in serving as Burkina Faso's first-ever ambassador to Cambodia. He emphasized that his mission presents a valuable opportunity to learn from Cambodia’s experiences and to deepen cooperation between the two nations.

The ambassador highlighted the shared colonial history of Cambodia and Burkina Faso under French rule and remarked that this has resulted in some common historical experiences. He expressed particular interest in learning from Samdech Techo Hun Sen’s leadership and Cambodia’s post-conflict development journey, calling it a source of inspiration.

Samdech Techo Hun Sen acknowledged these shared experiences and underlined the importance of domestic investment in fostering sustainable national development. 

While foreign investment remains important, he stressed that internal economic activity, particularly by Cambodian citizens, is crucial to attracting further foreign investors who seek stable and promising environments.

He also urged caution regarding advice from foreign countries—especially wealthier nations—stating that such recommendations are not always fully applicable or appropriate. Drawing from Cambodia’s own past, Samdech Techo emphasized the importance of deeply analyzing and contextualizing foreign advice before implementation.

On bilateral cooperation, Ambassador Bitie noted that Burkina Faso has strong potential in mineral resources, such as gold, which could serve as a basis for expanded economic and trade collaboration with Cambodia. He also expressed interest in enhancing cooperation in sectors such as demining, defense, and mutual support on international platforms.

Samdech Techo Hun Sen welcomed these proposals and voiced his support for increased cooperation in all mentioned areas. He further suggested that both sides work toward establishing a memorandum of understanding or similar agreement to explore specific areas of collaboration and development between the two nations.

By K. Rithy Reak