Hun Manet Says Cambodia Will Deepen Old Ties, Broaden New Ones
Hun Manet Says Cambodia Will Deepen Old Ties, Broaden New Ones
PHNOM PENH, June 19, 2026 – Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet has reaffirmed that Cambodia will continue to strengthen longstanding friendships while expanding new partnerships worldwide, underscoring the country’s independent and balanced foreign policy following talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
The remarks were highlighted on Friday by Minister Delegate in Charge of Foreign Affairs Tan Jean-Francois after Hun Manet returned from Russia, where he attended the ASEAN-Russia Commemorative Summit in Kazan and held a bilateral meeting with Putin on June 18.
Tan Jean-Francois said Hun Manet had delivered a clear political message to the Russian leader that Cambodia would continue to “strengthen old friends and expand new friends” as part of its independent and balanced foreign policy amid an increasingly uncertain and complex geopolitical environment.
“The Prime Minister’s message demonstrates Cambodia’s commitment to maintaining old friendships while building new ones around the world,” Tan Jean-Francois said.
During the meeting, Hun Manet and Putin expressed satisfaction with the state of Cambodia-Russia relations and discussed ways to expand bilateral cooperation, including Cambodia’s proposal for a free trade agreement between Cambodia and the Eurasian Economic Union.
Hun Manet noted that 2026 marks the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Cambodia and Russia and expressed gratitude for the Soviet Union’s assistance in Cambodia’s reconstruction following the fall of the Khmer Rouge regime in 1979.
He also reaffirmed that Cambodia’s policy towards Russia remains unchanged despite evolving geopolitical circumstances, describing Russia as a long-term and trusted partner based on mutual political trust, respect and shared interests.
The Cambodian leader further praised Russia’s role in regional and global affairs, including its support for the United Nations, the Global South and ASEAN-Russia cooperation.
