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PHOTOS: Cambodia Celebrates 64 Years of National Independence

PHOTOS: Cambodia Celebrates 64 Years of National Independence
Tang Chhin Sothy/Getty | Cambodian spirit soars

Thousands of students and government officials gathered at Phnom Penh’s Independence monument yesterday to mark the 64th anniversary of Cambodia’s independence from France. 

King Norodom Sihamoni was greeted by throngs of flag-waving supporters as he made his way to Independence Monument at 8am.

Young people marking Independence Day. Image: KT/Chor Sokunthea
Young people marking Independence Day. Image: KT/Chor Sokunthea

 

At the monument, the King welcomed officials and lit a ceremonial fire and then shook hands with students, civil servants and armed forces while flanked by Defence Minister Tea Banh and RCAF commander-in-chief Pol Saroeun before heading back to the Royal Palace two hours later.

King Sihamoni marking Independence Day. Image: KT/Chor Sokunthea
King Sihamoni marking Independence Day. Image: KT/Chor Sokunthea

 

At the monument, Prime Minister Hun Sen, Interior Minister Sar Kheng, National Assembly President Heng Samrin, and Senate President Say Chhum also greeted the King, whose father, the late king Norodom Sihanouk, secured Cambodia’s independence from France on November 9, 1953.

Image: KT/Chor Sokunthea
Image: KT/Chor Sokunthea

 

“November 9 is the day that brought independence, land sovereignty, peace and development to Cambodia,” said Mr Hun Sen.

“I think that Independence Day is very important for all Cambodian people,” said Chheang Vun, spokesman of CPP lawmakers at the National Assembly. 

Government officials and citizens celebrate Cambodia’s independence. Image: KT/Chor Sokunthea
Government officials and citizens celebrate Cambodia’s independence. Image: KT/Chor Sokunthea

 

“When we join the ceremony, it means that we respect and love the achievements of the late King and we love peace forever.”

Sok Pheakna, a Grade 11 student at Chea Sim Boeng Kengkang High School in Phnom Penh, said she was glad to join the ceremony, which was important. “I think that all young Cambodian people must study our history a lot, so we clearly know about our past,” she said.  

Image: KT/Chor Sokunthea
Image: KT/Chor Sokunthea

Sieng Seytith, 57, from Daun Penh district’s Chaktomuk commune, said he considered the country’s sovereignty to be the most important political issue.

“I believe in the current government and in the Cambodian People’s Party, because they can protect peace for our country,” he said.


Source : Khmer Times 

Indah Gilang Pusparani

Indah is a researcher at Badan Perencanaan Pembangunan Penelitian dan Pengembangan Daerah Kota Cirebon (Regional Development Planning and Research Agency of Cirebon Municipality). She covers More international relations, tourism, and startups in Southeast Asia region and beyond. Indah graduated from MSc Development Administration and Planning from University College London, United Kingdom in 2015. She finished bachelor degree from International Relations from University of Indonesia in 2014, with two exchange programs in Political Science at National University of Singapore and New Media in Journalism at Ball State University, USA. She was awarded Diplomacy Award at Harvard World Model United Nations and named as Indonesian Gifted Researcher by Australian National University. She is Researcher at Regional Planning Board in Cirebon, West Java. She previously worked as Editor in Bening Communication, the Commonwealth Parliament Association UK, and diplomacy consulting firm Best Delegate LLC in USA. Less
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