Cambodia Reaffirms Commitment to Contribute to World Peace

Cambodia Reaffirms Commitment to Contribute to World Peace

Cambodia has reaffirmed its commitment to contribute to the world peace.

“While standing ready to work closely with the United Nations to take further acute actions in response to COVID-19 pandemic, the Royal Government of Cambodia reiterates its commitment to continuing humanitarian activities as well as building and sustaining peace throughout the world,” wrote Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia in his thank-you letter to H.E. António Guterres, the UN Secretary-General.

“I have received your kind letter of sympathy dated June 12, 2020 over the dreadful loss of Senior Officer Sar Savy, Cambodian Support Element of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilisation Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) caused by COVID-19. His courage and noble devotion will be remembered with utmost respect and recognition on national and international scale,” the Premier said.

On behalf of the Royal Government and people of Cambodia as well as the bereaved family, Samdech Techo Hun Sen extended his sincere appreciation to the UN Secretary-General for the kind sympathy on this sorrowful moment.

In his condolences letter, H.E. António Guterres assured, “the United Nations, in cooperation with the governments of host countries, is determined to further strengthen efforts to mitigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our peacekeeping missions and to prevent its spread. While taking measures to ensure the safety and security of peacekeepers and other staff, our missions will strive to continue to deliver on their mandates. In this context, I wish to reiterate my deepest gratitude to your country for its strong support to the United Nations and to peacekeeping operations in particular.”

Lt. Gen. Sar Savy and his EOD team left for Mali in April 2019 for a one-year mission. He ended his mission last month, but his return was delayed due to COVID-19.

Among the 10 Cambodian blue helmet troops in Mali tested positive for COVID-19, one has died and the rest have all been cured, according to H.E. Gen. Chhum Socheat, Secretary of State and Spokesperson of the Ministry of National Defence.