King, Queen Mother extend China stay for medical care
King Norodom Sihamoni and Queen Mother Norodom Monineath Sihanouk are in Beijing for medical checkups. TVK
#National
Synopsis: King Norodom Sihamoni has health issues requiring continued attention in Beijing, says Royal Palace.
King Norodom Sihamoni and Queen Mother Norodom Monineath Sihanouk will remain in Beijing for medical treatment, the Royal Palace said yesterday, as Khmer New Year approaches.
The press statement said the royal personages will not be returning to Cambodia in the immediate future because the King’s health issues require continued attention.
“The health examination of the King has not yet been fully completed; there are some health issues that need continued monitoring and treatment,” the statement said. “According to Chinese doctors, the King must remain for a longer period and cannot return to the homeland at this time.”
The Royal Palace extended blessings to Cambodians for the New Year, wishing health, prosperity, and happiness to all citizens.
The King and Queen Mother left Cambodia on February 27 for routine medical check-ups in Beijing.
Kin Phea, Director-General of International Relations Institute of Cambodia, said the King and Queen Mother’s visits to China reflect the strong bond between the two nations.
“Their regular medical visits to China are a long-standing tradition that underscore the deep-rooted trust and meaningful relations between the leaders and people of Cambodia and China,” he said.
Youk Chhang, Ambassador to the Cabinet of His Majesty the King, said the King and Queen Mother represent the heart and soul of Cambodia.”
“They are always fondly missed during their travels; however, we should be comforted by the fact that nothing can separate them from the Cambodian people and we need not create unnecessary stress by worrying over their decision to extend their stay over the Khmer New Year,” he said.
“The message I would offer is to take comfort in the most sincere love that the King and Queen Mother have for the Cambodian people and nation. They are not only dedicated to the sacred duties of the Kingdom but they are also deeply committed to caring for the Cambodian people.”
On March 20, the World Buddhist Supreme Conference in Japan sent a letter to King Sihamoni, offering prayers for his speedy recovery.
The letter, signed by Most Ven Kyuse Enshinjoh, Founder, and Most Ven Kori Shinkai, President of the Buddhist Summit, praised the King for bringing prosperity and serenity to Cambodia and his contributions to spreading Buddhism.
“We are very worried about the health condition of Your Majesty. We are offering special prayers to the Buddha wishing for the swift recovery of Your Majesty from the bottoms of our hearts,” it said. “Your Majesty is an irreplaceable and precious person. Please make Your Majesty’s treatment the top priority. We earnestly wish Your Majesty the restoration of your health.”
The King and Queen Mother regularly visit China for health checks by Chinese medical professionals, a tradition established during the reign of the late King Father Norodom Sihanouk.
Cambodia and China share an “ironclad friendship” that includes cooperation in infrastructure development, trade, and security. China is Cambodia’s largest foreign investor and development partner.
-Khmer Times-
—————-
