AKP Phnom Penh, November 28, 2025 -- H.E. Dr. Chem Widhya, Chairman of the Senate Commission on Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Information, has been conferred the Grand Cross of Merit with Star of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany, the country’s second-highest state honour for foreign nationals, recognising his exceptional role in strengthening bilateral ties.

The prestigious decoration was formally presented at a ceremony in Phnom Penh on Friday by Germany’s Ambassador to Cambodia, H.E. Stefan Messerer. 

The award was bestowed on behalf of German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier in recognition of Dr. Widhya’s distinguished contributions to advancing relations between the two nations and fostering international cooperation.

The German government awards the Grand Cross of Merit with Star to foreign dignitaries to underscore the high esteem for their service and partnership. It ranks as the second-highest state order of merit Germany confers on non-citizens.

The ceremony, held at the residence of Ambassador Messerer, was attended by senior Cambodian officials, including H.E. Dr. Thun Vathana, Second Vice President of the Senate, several Senate commission chairpersons, the Senate Secretary-General, and high-ranking representatives from Cambodia’s executive bodies.

By K. Rithy Reak