PM Hun Sen Appears Near Cambodian-Thai Border for Groundbreaking of National Highway 59

Phnom Penh 16 February 2011 -- AKP

Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hen Sen yesterday appeared in vicinity of Cambodian-Thai border in northwestern province of Banteay Meanchey to preside over the groundbreaking of National Highway 59, an important strategic road for the country's territorial integrity.

His appearance took place while the border situation is still remaining tense following a series of recent military attacks by the Thai army on Cambodia's territory in the areas of Preah Vihear Temple in its war of invasion of Cambodia that claimed 7 lives, wounded 31 others, and caused damages to the temple and a considerable quantity of property.

Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hen Sen extended thanks and regards to the people and government of the People's Republic of China for having provided their funds for the development of Cambodia in all domains, saying: "The Government and people of China are the close and historical friend [of Cambodia]."

In general, he said, China has always considered assisting the priority sectors of the Royal Government of Cambodia including water, electricity, roads and human resources by providing continuous support and assistance, and assisted in the defense of peace and national sovereignty and expanded the cooperation with the neighboring countries.

Chinese friend is a country that has assisted Cambodia not only in the internal integration, but also in the integration with the neighboring countries, Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hen Sen pointed out.

After completion, he said, the National Highway 59 will certainly become the most important and the strongest as it is the first long-stretching road along the Cambodian-Thai border that stretches on the west corridor of the provinces of Banteay Meanchey and Battambang towards the provincial town of Pailin.

The 144-km National Highway 59 is built with a total fund of more than US$72 million jointly provided by the People's Republic of China as concessional loan and with financial contribution by the Royal Government of Cambodia, and the project is scheduled to be completed within 36 months until March 2015, said Tram Iv Tek, Minister of Public Works and Transports.

China is a good neighbor, said Chinese Ambassador to Cambodia Pan Guangxue, underlining, "the traditional friendship between China and Cambodia remains in the hearts of our two peoples and in the new circumstances the two peoples have to join hands to consolidate the friendship and expand cooperation in all domains."

The Chinese Government supports Cambodia in the efforts for poverty alleviation and economic development and China is delighted to see Cambodia have peace, stability and development, he said.

"All other projects including the construction of new port, new Chroy Changvar Bridge and a new bridge over the Tonle Bassac at Takhmao in the future are the new start in a high level of economic and trade cooperation between the two countries to which China will provide a large contribution in the infrastructure building and economic development of Cambodia," he added.

The reconstruction and development of road and bridge infrastructure of Cambodia under the loans and grants funded by China have so far been completed on a total length of around 1,500 kilometers or equal to approximately 2/3 (two-third) of the length of all national highways under construction in Cambodia. -AKP

Article in Khmer by CHEY Phum Pul

Article in English by Ravuth M.