The Cambodian Ministry of Environment and the Embassy of India in Phnom Penh held a tree planting ceremony to mark the 70th Anniversary of Establishment of Diplomatic Relations between the two countries at Kesor Kol Sok An Phnom Kulen Research and Conservation Centre in Siem Reap province on Jan. 30.

H.E. Sao Sopheap, Secretary of State at the Ministry of Environment and H.E. Dr. Devyani Khobragade, Ambassador of India to Cambodia presided over the event with representatives from different ministries and National APSARA Authority in attendance.

In his speech, H.E. Sao Sopheap said this tree planting ceremony is very significant for commemorating the 70th Anniversary of Establishment of Diplomatic Relations between Cambodia and India, and Kulen National Park after this plantation will become an attraction for tourists. He pointed out that this plantation drive is also important to promote protection, conservation and replanting of trees.

For her part, H.E. Dr. Devyani Khobragade mentioned that maybe Cambodis-India formal relationship is not only 70 years old, but they are historically connected way back to several millennia which provided the very foundation of their bilateral relationship. She also explained that India and Cambodia are working for new historical starting point in the field of Environment and climate change as we all know that India has emerged as a ray of hope in the global efforts to tackle the menace of climate change.

Seventy (70) trees of Rumduol, the national flower of Cambodia, were planting at Kesor Kol Sok An Phnom Kulen Research and Conservation Centre on the occasion.

After the tree planting ceremony, H.E. Sao Sopheap and H.E. Dr. Devyani Khobragade visited a garden of sunflowers and the construction of homestay in the centre's compound.

Source: Agency Kampuchea Press