Cambodian king praises PM for economic growth, social stability
Cambodian king praises PM for economic growth, social stability
Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni on Monday commended Prime Minister Hun Manet for his effective policies to ensure the kingdom’s economic growth and social stability.
The monarch made these remarks during the inauguration of the residence of the Great Supreme Patriarch Chuon Nath at Unnalom Pagoda in Phnom Penh.
“Hun Manet is wise and has suitable policies to ensure growth and enhance social stability,” Sihamoni said in a speech broadcast live on the state-owned TVK.
Hun Manet, 47, has been in office as the Prime Minister of Cambodia since August 2023, succeeding his father, Hun Sen, 72, who now serves as the President of the Senate.
Cambodia’s economy achieved a growth rate of 6 per cent in 2024, and this growth is expected to increase to 6.3 per cent in 2025, which will raise the gross domestic product (GDP) to approximately $51.4 billion, according to the government’s forecast.
In his speech, the king also expressed appreciation for Hun Sen as “a wise and brilliant founder” in reviving Buddhism and Buddhist pagodas, contributing to social stability and peace under the national motto: “Nation, Religion, and King”.
Sihamoni emphasised the role of the Buddhist or Khmer pagodas, stating that they have played a significant role in promoting morality and virtue, which are integral to Buddhist ethics, fostering harmony in Cambodian society across both religious and social dimensions.
Cambodia is a Buddhist country, where approximately 95 per cent of the population are Buddhist devotees.
The Southeast Asian nation currently boasts over 5,000 Buddhist pagodas and more than 70,000 monks, according to the Ministry of Cult and Religion.
