PHNOM PENH – Prime Minister Hun Manet emphasized the importance of strengthening public diplomacy to counter fake news, highlighting it as a key priority in Cambodia’s foreign policy.

In a press statement released on March 9 after the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation’s annual review conference, Hun Manet outlined Cambodia’s key foreign policy goals, reaffirming the need to reinforce public diplomacy efforts to combat misinformation and protect the nation’s reputation and interests on the global stage.

Other key policies include deepening existing bilateral relations, expanding diplomatic ties, promoting multilateralism, supporting UN peacekeeping operations, and enhancing Cambodia’s contributions to global peace, stability, and sustainable development. Additionally, the government aims to strengthen ASEAN’s centrality and advocate for the peaceful resolution of disputes.

The prime minister also underscored the need to enhance Cambodia’s diplomatic capacity through institutional reforms, improving the operational efficiency and professionalism of the country’s foreign service.

Seun Sam, a policy analyst at the Royal Academy of Cambodia, noted that Cambodian diplomats must be more proactive in amplifying the country’s foreign policies internationally.

While Cambodia adopts a multi-aligned diplomacy—maintaining friendly relations with countries like the U.S., China, and Japan—it is often perceived as being more closely aligned with China due to Cambodia’s relatively weak global voice, he observed.

Sam stressed the need for the government and the ministry to strengthen Cambodia’s presence on the world stage, pointing to the limited number of diplomats and scholars actively representing the country’s policies.

“The government should focus on enhancing the capabilities of Cambodian diplomats, ensuring they can effectively articulate the nation’s policies,” he said, adding that the recruitment process should be fair and free from nepotism.

He further suggested that competent overseas students and scholars be considered for diplomatic roles, encouraging and supporting them in representing Cambodia’s foreign policy.

Independence and Non-Alignment Remain Core Principles

Hun Manet praised the ministry’s performance throughout 2024 and its commitment to improving Cambodia’s diplomatic efforts. He highlighted the need to enhance the country’s foreign policy capabilities to navigate increasing economic competition, evolving security challenges, and emerging non-traditional threats in the region and beyond.

He also stressed the importance of a proactive foreign policy and strategic communication to safeguard Cambodia’s core national interests, including independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity, peace, national unity, and socio-economic development.

“The prime minister reaffirmed his commitment to an independent, permanently neutral, and non-aligned foreign policy based on the principles of international law, the United Nations Charter, the Constitution of the Kingdom of Cambodia, and the nation’s core interests,” the statement said.

The conference also addressed the rapidly changing and complex global landscape, emphasizing its significant implications for Cambodia’s foreign policy.

Royal Academy’s Seun Sam noted that while Cambodia is taking the right approach by maintaining balanced diplomatic relations, it must also strengthen its position to adapt to a fast-changing world and uphold its reputation while addressing internal challenges.

Referring to scam centers that have tarnished Cambodia’s image, Sam acknowledged that while some allegations are exaggerated, the government must take decisive action. “This is a matter of national reputation that could deter tourists and investors from coming to Cambodia,” he said.

He suggested that foreign perpetrators involved in such activities be prosecuted before being deported.

Speaking at the opening ceremony on March 3, Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn noted that in the coming years, geopolitical, political, economic, and strategic rivalries between major powers will shape regional and global dynamics, putting direct or indirect pressure on middle and small powers like Cambodia.

Regarding great power competition, Him Raksmey, executive director of the Cambodian Center for Regional Studies, emphasized the need for Cambodia to engage with all major powers to safeguard its national security and economic development.

“More efforts should be made to expand diplomatic relations, enhance mutual trust, broaden shared interests, and foster trade, investment, and people-to-people exchanges,” he said.

The ongoing trade war has also affected Cambodia, intensifying since U.S. President Donald Trump’s second term began.

Addressing this issue, Raksmey stated that Cambodia must actively pursue economic diversification, forge more economic partnerships, expand its industrial base, and strengthen its growth engines.

“Cambodia should also firmly support international laws, rules, and norms that promote globalization, an open global economy, and free trade—elements crucial for the country’s continued development,” he pointed out.