PHNOM PENH – Senate President Hun Sen was driven to his hotel in Dili by Timor-Leste President Jose Ramos Horta upon his arrival in the capital for an official visit on May 7.

Horta personally welcomed Hun Sen at the airport along with Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao.

Hun Sen arrived in Timor-Leste after his visit to Indonesia.

“A good friend, a best friend, visits us,” Horta wrote in a Facebook post.

He is expected to hold talk with Horta, Gusmao and President of Parliament Maria Fernanda Lay.

In addition to discussions, Hun Sen will speak at a special session of the Timor-Leste parliament. He will share his experiences as a leader, of turning a genocide-ravaged nation plagued by poverty into one of prosperity and freedom.

In recognition of his contribution and support for Timor-Leste over the past two decades, President Ramos-Horta will confer the Grand Collar of the Order of Timor-Leste, the country's highest civilian award, upon former prime minister Hun Sen.

Cambodia and Timor-Leste established diplomatic relations in 2002. Ties have significantly developed over the past years, with the leaders of the countries exchanging visits.

As prime minister, Hun Sen paid an official visit to Timor-Leste in 2016, while Ramos-Horta visited Cambodia in October 2022.

Cambodia has also unwaveringly supported Timor-Leste on the regional and international stages, and has been a supporter for Timor-Leste’s admission into ASEAN.