18-6-2024 (SINGAPORE) Singapore is set to roll out the red carpet for a significant diplomatic visit as Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet embarks on his first official trip to the city-state on Tuesday, June 18th. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) announced that Dr. Hun Manet will receive an official welcome at the Istana, Singapore’s presidential palace.
During his two-day stay, the Cambodian leader is scheduled to engage in a series of high-level meetings and visits. He will call on President Tharman Shanmugaratnam and attend a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Lawrence Wong. Additionally, Mr. Wong will host an official dinner in honour of Dr. Hun Manet’s visit.
The diplomatic engagements will also include a courtesy call by Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong, underscoring the significance Singapore places on strengthening ties with its Southeast Asian neighbour.
Beyond the official meetings, Dr. Hun Manet’s itinerary includes attending the Cambodia-Singapore Business Forum, where he is expected to explore avenues for enhancing economic cooperation and facilitating trade between the two nations. The visit will also feature stops at Nanyang Polytechnic and Keppel Infrastructure@Changi, highlighting Singapore’s expertise in education and infrastructure development.
Accompanying the prime minister will be a high-profile delegation, comprising Cambodia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Sok Chenda Sophea, ministerial delegates, senior government officials, and representatives from the Cambodia Chamber of Commerce.
Dr. Hun Manet’s ascension to the prime ministership marks a new chapter in Cambodia’s political landscape. Appointed by the king in August last year, he effectively assumed the mantle of leadership from his father, Hun Sen, who ruled Cambodia for nearly four decades.
The transition of power came swiftly after the Cambodian People’s Party (CPP) secured a landslide victory in the July elections. Shortly afterwards, Mr. Hun Sen announced his intention to resign and hand over the reins of power to his eldest son.
With a distinguished military background, including graduating from the prestigious West Point military academy in the United States, Dr. Hun Manet rose rapidly through the ranks of Cambodia’s armed forces. He has served in various capacities, including as head of counterterrorism, deputy chief of his father’s bodyguard unit, army chief, and deputy military commander.
Beyond his military prowess, the new prime minister holds a master’s degree from New York University and a doctorate in economics from Britain’s Bristol University, reflecting his diverse academic credentials.
