PM Voices ‘Global Insecurity Concerns’ Ahead of Military Parade
Prime Minister Hun Manet inspects honor guard during a ceremony. Photo: STPM
- By Torn Chanritheara
- January 22, 2024 2:13 PM
PHNOM PENH – Prime Minister Hun Manet has asked the army to remain vigilant in the face of rising transnational crime and the threat of terrorism, while pursuing reforms to respond effectively to these threats.
Hun Manet made the appeal in a congratulatory letter published on Jan. 22, marking the 25th anniversary of the creation of the Royal Cambodian Army in two days. A military parade featuring a light tank and artillery show will be held on Jan. 24 at army headquarters.
While praising the army’s role in protecting national sovereignty, he said that in 2024, “Cambodia still suffers indirectly from global insecurity caused by terrorism and all kinds of transnational crime.”
Added to this is the fragility caused by geopolitical and great-power rivalries, repeated attempts to interfere in domestic affairs and the color revolution, while threats to independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity persist, he added.
“To respond to all these problems requires the army to increase vigilance and prepare preventive measures with flexibility and self-reliance,” Hun Manet’s letter wrote.
The prime minister added that the new government’s defense policy focuses on two main goals: To ensure long-lasting peace in the country and to build opportunities for sustainable national development.
He called on the army and all units under the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces to continue to strengthen their capabilities to defend the nation.
Truck-mounted self-propelled PHL-03 Multiple Launch Rocket System is seen during a rehearsal. Photo: RCAF
Hun Manet, who was commander of the army before becoming prime minister, is expected to attend the military parade on Jan. 24.
The preparations are underway at the Army’s headquarters in Phnom Penh’s Kamboul district.
Commander of Armed Forces Vong Pisen and Defense Minister Tea Seiha inspected the progress of preparation on Jan. 16 and Jan. 20 respectively.
The ceremony will feature a uniformed military parade and a showcase of military hardware including truck-mounted self-propelled PHL-03 Multiple Launch Rocket System and multiple rocket launcher systems.
