Phnom Penh, July 8 (AseanAll)  — On the afternoon of 7 July 2025, Hun Manet, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia, received a farewell courtesy call from Ermenegildo Kupa Lopes, Ambassador of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste to Cambodia, at the Peace Palace.

During the meeting, the Ambassador expressed his deep gratitude to Hun Manet for taking time from his busy schedule to receive him and his delegation on the occasion of the conclusion of his diplomatic mission in Cambodia. The Ambassador conveyed his admiration and high appreciation for Cambodia’s rapid development across all sectors. He emphasised that during his tenure, he had learned invaluable lessons, knowledge, and success stories from Cambodia’s socio-economic progress, which could serve as best practices for Timor-Leste’s own development.  the Ambassador expressed firm confidence that under the wise and visionary leadership of Hun Manet, Cambodia would continue to achieve remarkable progress and effectively overcome future challenges. 

He also praised the exemplary leadership of Hun Sen and expressed profound appreciation for Cambodia’s support, especially in its role as ASEAN Chair in 2022, which helped convince ASEAN member states to accept Timor-Leste as the bloc’s 11th member. He noted that without the support of Hun Sen, Timor-Leste would not have attained full membership in ASEAN.

In response, Hun Manet welcomed the Ambassador and his delegation, and highly valued the Ambassador’s efforts in strengthening and expanding Cambodia-Timor-Leste relations and cooperation. He congratulated Timor-Leste on its upcoming formalisation as ASEAN’s 11th member in the near future. He also thanked the government and people of Timor-Leste for the warm welcome extended to Samdech Techo during his official visit to the country. 

Hun Manet reaffirmed Cambodia’s continued support for Timor-Leste as an ASEAN member and highlighted the strong potential for both countries to further enhance and expand bilateral cooperation. He affirmed that Cambodia stands ready to provide all necessary support to advance the Cambodia-Timor-Leste partnership towards greater growth and strength.

Before concluding the meeting, Hun Manet extended his best wishes to the Ambassador for success in his new diplomatic mission.