PHNOM PENH, Jan. 7 (Xinhua) -- Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen said on Saturday that peace has created "golden opportunities" for the country's development in all fields.
Hun Sen, who is also the president of the ruling Cambodian People's Party (CPP), made the remarks during an event marking the 44th anniversary of the Victory Day in Phnom Penh, which was attended by more than 20,000 people.
"Peace has created golden opportunities for socioeconomic development and the well-being of our people for 44 years," he said.
"Peace, political stability and security, which are the foundations for the development and harmonious living of the people, have been vigorously defended by the entire national force united around the royal government."
The Cambodian prime minister said the past 44 years had been the years of unity, heroic struggle, and victory for the Cambodian people.
"Our struggle has transformed the homeland from the land of the dead to the land of beautiful progress and the land of great pride."
He said the fight against the deadly COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021 had scored success through proper leadership, effective implementation of sharp strategies and measures, and active participation of the people.
With this success, the Southeast Asian nation's economy has recovered rapidly, he said, adding that the growth is projected to reach 6.6 percent in 2023, up from 5.5 percent in 2022.
Meanwhile, Hun Sen reaffirmed Cambodia's stance on international cooperation, saying that the country upholds the rule of law and a multilateral system with an environment of transparency, fairness, and openness to ensure peace building, stability, development and improvement of people's quality of life. ■
