Phnom penh: Cambodia today marks the 34th anniversary of the signing of the Paris Peace Agreement, a historic milestone that ended decades of civil war and laid the foundation for national reconciliation, peace, and development. Senate President Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen shared reflections on this historic day through his official social media channels.
According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, Hun Sen recalled the events of October 23, 1991, when the four Cambodian parties, including himself representing the then Cambodian Government, signed the peace accord in Paris, France. The other signatories were the FUNCINPEC movement represented by Samdech Preah Norodom Sihanouk and Samdech Krom Preah Norodom Ranariddh, the Khmer People’s National Liberation Front led by Mr. Son Sann, and the Democratic Kampuchea (Pol Pot) faction represented by Mr. Khieu Samphan. The agreement was signed in the presence of international witnesses from 18 countries, including the then UN Secretary-General.
Hun Sen also reflected on the crucial meetings held before the signing of the agreement. The Sihanouk-Hun Sen negotiations took place between the former King of Cambodia, Samdech Preah Norodom Sihanouk, and Hun Sen from December 2-4, 1987, in F¨re-en-Tardenois, France, and on January 20-21, 1988, in Saint-Germain-en-Laye, France.
Despite the signing of the Paris Peace Agreement, Cambodia continued to experience civil conflict due to the persistence of the Democratic Kampuchea (Pol Pot) group. Hun Sen emphasized that it was the Win-Win Policy, launched in Pailin, that ultimately brought an end to the civil war in 1998, ushering in an era of full peace and nationwide stability that continues to this day.
Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet also shared his thoughts on social media, highlighting the role of two great statesmen in leading Cambodia through peaceful negotiations toward national unity and reconciliation. He noted that this historic achievement laid a crucial foundation and created an opportunity for Cambodia’s reconstruction and comprehensive national development in all sectors.