Minister of Tourism Hout Hak has outlined the invaluable nature of peace and its crucial role in all aspects of the Kingdom’s development.
“Cambodia, having gone through the pain of decades of war and the recent border conflict with Thailand, can truly reflect to the world that Cambodia and the Cambodian people love and value peace very much, and truly cherish the development opportunities that peace brings. Peace is the foundation for the development of tourism,” he said.
He shared this insight during celebrations of the 67th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Cambodia and China.
The August 18 Phnom Penh even was themed “Cambodia and China, Join Hands, Share a Common Destiny, Promote Tourism and Investment for Development under the Shade of Peace”.
The ceremony was attended by Ek Sam Ol, president of the Cambodia-China Friendship Association, Venerable Yan Shu, president of the Cambodian Shaolin Cultural Center, Prince Sisowath Tesso, director of the Bopha Devi Dance School, Lin Shi Qiang, president of the China-Cambodia Chambers of Commerce and Feng Hui, representative of the China Media Group (CMG), as well as many other high-level stakeholders.
Hak expressed his appreciation for the meaningful joint Cambodia-Chinese “Wings of Peace” cultural performance which the attendees were treated to.
He described the performance, organised by CMG, as reflecting the long-standing historical ties between the two countries, and believed it highlighted a shared legacy: the value of peace and the strength of unbreakable friendship.
The minister reminded the attendees that Cambodia experienced the pain of war for many decades and, more recently, border disputes with Thailand, which means the Cambodian people understand the value of peace and the opportunities for development it brings.
“On behalf of the tourism ministry and the Cambodian people, I would like to warmly and sincerely welcome all Chinese friends and look forward to welcoming Chinese tourists who are full of love for peace, yearning for friendship and eager to learn more about our rich culture,” he said.
I would like to see more Chinese people spread the “wings of peace” and visit Cambodia to experience the wonders and beauty that Cambodia and its people have to offer,” he added.
According to the minister, in the first seven months of 2025, Cambodia welcomed 3.71 million international tourists, including approximately 690,000 Chinese tourists, marking an increase of 48.2%.
Ek Sam Ol, president of the Cambodia-China Friendship Association, remarked that as the two nations mark their 67th year of diplomatic relations, the relationship between them continues to grow stronger and more stable. He noted that mutual understanding between the two peoples is also becoming deeper.
He described culture and art as serving as a bridge that transcends borders, and believed the evenings artistic performances promoted a message of peace and demonstrated an anti-war spirit.
Thourn Sinan, chairman of the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) Cambodia Chapter, told The Post on August 19 how the word “peace” holds an immense and indescribable value, because without peace, one cannot talk about national development, trade or the development of the tourism sector.
“The aggressive war initiated by Thailand is causing much suffering and loss to both the government and the people of the two countries. Cambodia needs peace,” he said.
