Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet’s Facebook Message Confirms “End of Cambodia’s Participation in the Cambodia-Laos-Vietnam Development Triangle (CLV-DTA) from September 20, 2024” [Unofficial Translation]
Dear compatriots!
The Cambodia-Laos-Vietnam Development Triangle (CLV-DTA) initiative has been in operation for 25 years and has successfully contributed to the progress and prosperity of Kratie, Stung Treng, Mondulkiri, and Ratanakkiri provinces.
In the past, extremist groups have misused this as a political tool to defame and criticize the government by consistently misleading the public and causing confusion. For example, they have made false claims that the government has ceded the territory of the four northeastern provinces to foreign nations. Recently, they have exploited this tactic to incite and encourage people to participate in the implementation of the August 18th plan, with the intention of disrupting social stability and potentially overthrowing the legitimate Royal Government. However, it is important to note that the extremist opposition group’s “August 18th plan” has utterly failed, and peace and social stability remain firmly ensured.
The extremists’ August 18th plan has been fully dissolved. However, considering public concerns regarding territorial integrity and the necessity of disarming extremists to prevent further exploitation of the Cambodia-Laos-Vietnam Development Triangle Area (CLV-DTA), Samdech Techo Hun Sen, the CPP’s President, myself as the Prime Minister, and other leaders have made the decision to conclude Cambodia’s participation in the CLV-DTA effective September 20, 2024. The Royal Government of Cambodia has officially notified Vietnam and Laos through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.
Our territory continues to be developed through consistent collaboration with neighboring countries. This collaboration occurs bilaterally, between countries, and with various regional organizations such as ASEAN, CLMV, ACMECS, GMS, and other global development partners.
The Border Infrastructure Fund, which focuses on the construction of the border ring road, supported by Cambodians, both local and foreign, will contribute to this development. The Royal Government has already announced a policy package to promote the development of the northeastern region of Cambodia.
Extremists may claim victory over this demand, but they will lose a significant tool for attacking the Royal Government. However, the Cambodian People’s Party’s success stems from addressing people’s concerns and effectively disarming opponents./.
