AKP Phnom Penh, October 5, 2026 --

Cambodia remains committed to an independent foreign policy based on international law, the promotion of multilateralism and the peaceful settlement of disputes through dialogue, despite the complex geopolitical situation, economic uncertainties and growing non-traditional security challenges in the region and the world.

Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia and First Vice President of the Cambodian Veterans and Pensioners Association, made the remarks at the opening ceremony of the 25th General Assembly of the Veterans Confederation of ASEAN Countries (VECONAC) in Phnom Penh on Monday.

Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet stressed that Cambodia embraces the spirit of the ‘Win-Win Policy’ as a guiding philosophy for peacebuilding, dialogue and the peaceful resolution of differences.

He underlined the important role of veterans in promoting and preserving peace, noting that those who have experienced the hardships and consequences of war have a particularly deep understanding of the value of peace.

“No one understands peace more than veterans. They are the most effective advocates for peace,” he said.

The Prime Minister’s remarks came amid a changing regional and global environment marked by geopolitical uncertainties, economic challenges and emerging non-traditional security threats.

“Despite the complex geopolitical situation in the region and the world, economic uncertainty, and growing non-traditional security challenges, Cambodia continues to advocate dialogue, cooperation and respect for international law as key principles for maintaining peace and stability in the spirit of 'Win-Win Policy' as a guiding philosophy for peacebuilding,” Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet said.

The Win-Win Policy refers to the national reconciliation policy crafted and implemented by fromer Prime Minister Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen from 1996 to 1998 to end the more than three decades of civil war through dismantling the Khmer Rouge’s political organisation and integrating them into the social, economic, and political life of the Cambodian state.

The 25th VECONAC General Assembly, hosted by Cambodia through the Cambodian Veterans and Pensioners Association, brings together leaders and representatives of veterans’ associations from ASEAN Member States.

The gathering provides a platform for the participating organisations to exchange experiences, strengthen cooperation and identify common initiatives aimed at improving the welfare of veterans and contributing to peace and stability in the region.

By Chea Vannak