Phnom Penh, May 5 – Senate President and former Prime Minister of Cambodia, Samdech Hun Sen, is set to visit Timor-Leste and Indonesia this month, reaffirming Cambodia’s commitment to regional diplomacy and its pivotal role in ASEAN integration and peacebuilding.
Cambodia and Timor-Leste: A Growing Friendship
On May 7, Hun Sen will begin his official visit to Timor-Leste at the invitation of President Jose Ramos-Horta. During this historic visit, he will hold high-level meetings with Timor-Leste’s top leaders, including Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão and President of Parliament Maria Fernanda Lay.
Hun Sen is scheduled to address a special session of the Timor-Leste National Parliament, where he will share Cambodia’s transformation from a post-conflict nation into a stable and growing economy. This speech is expected to highlight Cambodia’s experiences in peacebuilding, poverty reduction, and socioeconomic development — insights valuable to other developing countries.
In recognition of his enduring support to Timor-Leste over the past two decades, President Ramos-Horta will present Hun Sen with the Grand Collar of the Order of Timor-Leste, the country’s highest civilian honour. This symbolic gesture highlights Hun Sen’s personal contributions to fostering bilateral cooperation and supporting Timor-Leste’s international aspirations.
Supporting ASEAN Integration for Timor-Leste
Diplomatic ties between Cambodia and Timor-Leste were formalised in 2002, soon after Timor-Leste gained independence. Since then, both countries have collaborated on regional and international platforms. Cambodia has played a key role in supporting Timor-Leste’s accession to ASEAN.
Under Cambodia’s 2022 ASEAN Chairmanship, ASEAN leaders agreed in principle to admit Timor-Leste as the 11th member of the regional bloc. The country was granted observer status, allowing participation in ASEAN summits and meetings. Full membership is expected to be finalised in 2025, during Malaysia’s chairmanship.
Cambodia’s firm backing of Timor-Leste’s integration into ASEAN reflects its growing diplomatic influence and leadership role within the region. Hun Sen’s visit is expected to deepen bilateral cooperation in trade, education, and public administration — areas critical to Timor-Leste’s development.
Strengthening Cambodia-Indonesia Relations
Ahead of his visit to Timor-Leste, Hun Sen will travel to Indonesia on May 5, where he will meet with key Indonesian leaders, including President Prabowo Subianto, Senate Speaker Emmanuel Sinzohagera, and House Speaker Puan Maharani.
As part of his visit, Hun Sen will deliver keynote addresses at two key regional institutions:
- At the ASEAN Secretariat, his speech will focus on “ASEAN, Cambodia, and the World”, marking Cambodia’s 26-year membership in ASEAN and emphasising the Kingdom’s growing role in regional peace, cooperation, and integration.
- At the Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA), he will share Cambodia’s experience in conflict resolution, reconstruction, and regional stability — core values that ASEAN continues to uphold.
Cambodia’s Strategic Regional Role
Hun Sen’s regional tour is a clear demonstration of Cambodia’s commitment to ASEAN solidarity, multilateral cooperation, and development partnerships. By supporting emerging nations like Timor-Leste and strengthening ties with established ASEAN members like Indonesia, Cambodia is positioning itself as a constructive and proactive regional player.
In an increasingly interconnected world, Cambodia’s diplomacy, guided by lessons from its own national rebuilding, serves as a model for countries facing post-conflict or development challenges. With regional engagement at the core of its foreign policy, Cambodia continues to push for an ASEAN that is inclusive, stable, and economically integrated.
Looking Ahead
Hun Sen’s upcoming visits underscore the long-term vision of Cambodia’s leadership — one that seeks peaceful coexistence, regional economic growth, and ASEAN unity. These visits are expected to result in enhanced cooperation in areas such as education, infrastructure, human resource development, and ASEAN institutional strengthening.
As the ASEAN region prepares for future challenges, Cambodia’s growing influence and leadership in supporting inclusive regional integration, particularly through the ASEAN platform, will remain essential.
