Today, Cambodia concluded a three-day celebration of the 20th anniversary of King Norodom Sihamoni’s coronation with a grand ceremony outside Phnom Penh’s Royal Palace, attended by officials from the government, military, and civil service.
Typically a single day of festivities, the 20th anniversary jubilee spanned three days of fanfare, beginning with ceremonial blessings and concluding with King Sihamoni’s speech, in which he called for national “unity” and “harmony.”
“We are pleased to see positive results from our compatriots’ national defense efforts and commitment to harmony,” King Sihamoni said during his address to thousands of attendees, including Prime Minister Hun Manet and Senate President Hun Sen.
“On this occasion, I would like to appeal to all Cambodian citizens to unite and foster solidarity under the framework of our constitution and state laws, participating in the protection of our homeland across all sectors.” the King said.
King Sihamoni, who was officially enthroned on October 29, 2004, commended the incumbent government for following a continuous path to “peace, solidarity and national unity.”
Phnom Penh Municipal Governor Khuong Sreng, speaking before the King, acknowledged the monarch’s reign as vital to Cambodia’s development and its impact across key sectors of society, including diplomacy, education, health, and culture.
Echoing the theme of unity and civic duty, Sreng emphasized the roles of both the government and civilians in protecting the monarchy and the constitution.
Various political parties and embassies offered felicitations on the coronation anniversary, wishing the King health, happiness, and a long, prosperous life.
Ly Sothearayuth, secretary general of the oppositional Candlelight Party, endorsed King Sihamoni’s calls for unity, noting its vitality to Cambodia’s cohesion.
“We do not want to see the division and discord among the people and politicians due to a difference in political views and positions, as it does not reflect well on the country’s image,” he said.
Sothearayuth added that unity among Cambodians and reconciliation among political rivals are essential to restoring and improving the country’s democracy and living conditions.
