AKP Phnom Penh, December 24, 2025 --

A senior Cambodian official on Wednesday morning met with families of soldiers deployed to the border and civilians displaced by fighting, reaffirming the Royal Government’s commitment to national sovereignty and a lasting peace.

H.E. Peng Ponea, Head of the Royal Government’s Working Group for Sa’ang and Koh Thom districts of Kandal province, presided over a gathering in Koh Thom where aid was distributed to 819 families.

He conveyed messages of solidarity from Senate President Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen and Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet, saying the Royal Government was closely attending to the welfare of soldiers' families and displaced residents.

H.E. Peng Ponea who also serves as Minister of Public Works and Transport, said the conflict has caused destruction, loss of life and forced communities to flee, creating shortages of shelter, food, clean water and income while disrupting children's education.

“These hardships remind us all of the true value of peace,” he said. He added that Cambodia, after decades of conflict, seeks an immediate ceasefire and durable peace.

The Royal Government would continue to uphold Cambodia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity while responding to what it calls acts of aggression, H.E. Peng Ponea said, urging the public to trust authorities and remain united.

He called on soldiers' families, displaced people and the public to turn suffering into resilience, and encouraged civil servants, students and the private sector to contribute to national recovery.

“If we stand together and make a collective effort, we will emerge stronger in the future,” he said.

By K. Rithy Reak