Cambodia and Singapore laud six decades of strong ties

King Norodom Sihamoni (L) and Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam exchange letters hailing the warm relations between Cambodia and Singapore. CPP & PMOS

#National

Synopsis: In reply to a birthday message from Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam, King Norodom Sihamoni expresses appreciation for the warm wishes and the reaffirmation of bilateral relations.

Cambodia and Singapore have hailed their longstanding friendship and cooperation, with both sides expressing a commitment to further strengthening ties built over the past six decades.

The two countries highlighted their shared aspiration to deepen collaboration in support of sustainable development, prosperity, and regional stability, grounded in mutual trust, respect, and understanding.

In reply to a May 30 birthday message from Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam, King Norodom Sihamoni said he was deeply touched to receive the message while undergoing medical treatment in hospital following surgery.

King Sihamoni was discharged from hospital in Beijing on May 1 after his health improved following successful prostate cancer surgery on April 20 and two weeks of treatment and convalescence.

“I sincerely appreciate your warmest congratulations on the occasion of my birthday, as well as your heartfelt wishes for my smooth recovery,” the King said.

“I highly appreciate your endorsement of the close friendship and strong cooperation between the Kingdom of Cambodia and the Republic of Singapore. Our two countries have cultivated a valuable partnership over the past six decades and I am pleased to see our relations continue to flourish in an atmosphere of mutual trust, respect and understanding.

“I fully share Your Excellency’s aspiration to further strengthen our cooperation in support of sustainable development, prosperity and the well-being of our two peoples, while contributing to peace, stability and shared prosperity in our region.”

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Hun Manet and his Singaporean counterpart Lawrence Wong held a meeting on the sidelines of the 48th ASEAN Summit in Cebu, the Philippines, last month, where they reiterated their commitment to boosting their longstanding and fruitful relations and cooperation.

The meeting reflected the close ties and strong commitment of both countries to expand cooperation at both bilateral and multilateral levels, Wong said, adding that Singapore remains committed to maintaining the positive momentum of the partnership.

In response, Mr Hun Manet expressed satisfaction with the continued progress in Cambodia–Singapore relations, including the recent entry into force of the Second Protocol amending the Agreement on the Avoidance of Double Taxation and the Prevention of Fiscal Evasion with respect to taxes on income.

According to the General Department of Customs and Excise, bilateral trade between Cambodia and Singapore reached $775 million in the first four months of the year, up 220% year-on-year.

-Khmer Times-