Cambodia’s Request to ICJ Confirms Strong Spirit of National Unity

AKP-Phnom Penh, June 15, 2025 –The Royal Government of Cambodia’s official submission to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) seeking a resolution to the border disputes in the Mom Bei area and the temple complexes of Ta Moan Thom, Ta Moan Tauch, and Ta Krabei carries profound significance. It reflects the deep spirit of national solidarity and determination to protect the country’s territorial integrity.

The statement was made this morning by H.E. Pen Bona, Minister Delegate Attached to the Prime Minister and Head of the Royal Government Spokesperson Unit.

He highlighted five key points:

First, Cambodia has consistently stood for peace and respect for international law. No matter the scale of the challenge, the country seeks peaceful solutions and exhausts all diplomatic means. After decades of bilateral talks ended in deadlock, Cambodia chose not to resort to force, but instead referred the disputes in the four sensitive areas to the ICJ as a peaceful and lawful path forward.

Second, the Royal Government of Cambodia—under the leadership of former Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen and current Prime Minister Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet—has shown a steadfast and uncompromising will to defend Cambodia’s territorial integrity, without conceding even a millimetre, and maintains absolute opposition to any form of aggression.

Third, today’s submission to the ICJ also symbolises the powerful unity between the Cambodian people, the Royal Government, and the armed forces. It is a reflection of national consensus—endorsed unanimously by the National Assembly and the Senate, and supported by Cambodians at home and abroad. This letter to the ICJ, H.E. Pen Bona noted, speaks with the unified voice of the entire Cambodian nation.

Fourth, the date—June 15, 2025—marks the 63rd anniversary of the ICJ’s historic ruling in Cambodia’s favour in the Preah Vihear case. Submitting the new request on this symbolic day reinforces Cambodia’s enduring commitment to peaceful dispute resolution and its legacy of defending national sovereignty through legal means.

Finally, H.E. Pen Bona emphasised that this step reaffirms the Cambodian People’s Party-led government as the true defender of national sovereignty and dignity. It shows the government’s resolve to shield the nation from foreign slander and threats, elevate Cambodia’s international standing, and write a new chapter in modern Cambodian history in the Techo-Thipadei era of the 21st century.

By C. Nika