Vladanka Andreeva, the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Cambodia, has affirmed the unwavering commitment of various UN agencies operating within the country to further strengthen their partnership with Cambodian ministries and institutions. This robust collaboration is specifically designed to actively support Cambodia’s ongoing socio-economic development trajectory. Ms. Andreeva’s statements were made during a significant courtesy call and working discussion with Samdech Hun Manet, the Prime Minister of Cambodia, which took place on March 2nd.
During the discussion, Ms. Andreeva reiterated that UN agencies in Cambodia would maintain a proactive role, ensuring the continuous reinforcement of their partnership with Cambodian government entities. This strategic alliance is fundamentally aimed at bolstering the nation’s socio-economic progress, aligning seamlessly with the Royal Government’s Pentagon Strategy Phase I. Key areas of focus under this strategy include crucial initiatives such as job creation, the enhancement of existing skills through upskilling programs, and the broader, long-term development of human capital across the country.
Beyond just emphasizing the UN’s steadfast support, Ms. Andreeva also conveyed her high appreciation for the excellent spirit of cooperation that has characterized the relationship between relevant Cambodian ministries and institutions and UN agencies in Cambodia over the past several years. The UN Resident Coordinator further acknowledged Cambodia’s substantial contributions to global peacekeeping missions spanning the last two decades, particularly highlighting its consistent deployment of ‘Blue Helmet’ troops under the United Nations’ mandate.
On the occasion of this important meeting, Prime Minister Samdech Hun Manet extended a warm welcome to Ms. Vladanka Andreeva, recognizing her second working mission to Cambodia. Echoing Ms. Andreeva’s sentiments, the head of the Royal Government highly praised the UN’s pivotal role in its partnership with Cambodia, a partnership that has demonstrably contributed to the nation’s socio-economic advancement. He also expressed profound gratitude for the UN’s ongoing support towards Cambodia’s ambitious goal of graduating from its Least Developed Country (LDC) status by 2029.
Prime Minister Hun Manet additionally underscored his commitment, stating that Cambodia’s relevant ministries and institutions would continue to engage in close collaboration with all resident UN agencies in the country, ensuring sustained progress and effective program implementation.
Addressing other pertinent matters, Samdech Hun Manet also took the opportunity to inform Ms. Andreeva about recent developments concerning the situation along the Cambodia-Thailand border. On this sensitive issue, the Prime Minister firmly reaffirmed Cambodia’s consistent position: to seek a peaceful resolution to all border matters, strictly adhering to established international law, relevant conventions, treaties, and the existing bilateral agreements between the two nations.
Ms. Vladanka Andreeva, for her part, confirmed that the peaceful resolution of disagreements between countries, carried out in full compliance with the UN Charter and international law, is indeed a fundamental aspiration and core principle of the United Nations.
The significant meeting between Ms. Vladanka Andreeva and Samdech Hun Manet was also briefly highlighted on the official social media platforms of the UN in Cambodia. A post from the UN Cambodia Facebook page noted that the encounter provided a valuable opportunity to discuss the ongoing collaboration between the United Nations and the Royal Government of Cambodia. This discussion notably included mutual priorities aimed at fostering sustainable development and enhancing the overall well-being of the Cambodian populace. The UN in Cambodia concluded its statement by affirming: “The United Nations continues this close cooperation in a spirit of partnership and mutual respect.”
