Hun Sen set to attend Unescap summit in Bangkok

A Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation statement issued on Thursday said the visit comes at the invitation of UN under-secretary-general and Unescap executive secretary Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana.

Hun Sen will be accompanied by Senior Minister Ly Thuch, president of the National Committee for Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific, Minister of Women’s Affairs Ing Kantha Phavi and other senior government officials, said the release.

Government spokesman Phay Siphan on Thursday told The Post that though he is aware of the premier’s visit to Thailand, he was not aware of the details of the convention’s agenda.

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs [and International Cooperation] might know more about the topic than me,” he told The Post.

Ministry spokesman Ket Sophann told The Post that Unescap’s invitation was a sign of the UN’s recognition of the Kingdom’s accomplishments in social and economic development.

Hun Sen is set to deliver a keynote address during the convention’s opening session, which will focus on Cambodia’s experiences in socio-economic development, and how it has helped raise people living standards considerably, Sophann said.

“During the convention, the prime minister will emphasise key issues regarding Cambodia’s developments which help reduce poverty and increase people’s living standards."

“For more detailed information, you’ll have to wait for [the prime minister] to deliver his speech,” he said.