Dili, May 8 (AseanAll) — On May 8,2025, Timor-Leste President and Nobel Peace Laureate, J. Ramos-Horta welcomed the President of the Senate and Former Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia, Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo HUN SEN, to the Nicolau Lobato Presidential Palace with a state official ceremony and guard of honor.
Ramos-Horta and HUN SEN engaged in productive bilateral discussions, focusing on enhancing cooperation in areas of mutual interest. Both leaders were accompanied by high-level delegations from their respective countries, reflecting the importance both nations place on this diplomatic engagement.
The bilateral relations between Timor-Leste and Cambodia continue to strengthen, marked by increasing cooperation and goodwill. Cambodia has emerged as one of Timor-Leste’s strongest champions in the region. During its ASEAN Chairmanship in 2022, Cambodia led ASEAN’s “in principle” agreement to admit Timor-Leste as its 11th Member.
Following the bilateral meeting, Ramos-Horta and HUN SEN addressed the media.
HUN SEN stated: “I thank you for the warm hospitality extended to my delegation. I have witnessed great progress in Timor-Leste since my first visit. I hope Timor-Leste will soon become a full ASEAN member with support from other member states. Our bilateral discussions today were productive, focusing on our relationship rooted in trust and friendship. I also conveyed His Majesty King Norodom Sihamoni’s warm greetings and invitation for President Ramos-Horta to visit Cambodia.”
Ramos-Horta stated: “I warmly welcome His Excellency HUN SEN to Timor-Leste. As the Liberator and Founder of Modern Cambodia, HUN SEN shares remarkable similarities with our Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão, who guided our people through difficult times to independence. We consider you a best friend of Timor-Leste and look forward to expanding our bilateral relations economically through trade and investment. We count on your continued support in our development efforts.”
Ramos-Horta expressed Timor-Leste’s deep appreciation for Cambodia’s unwavering support for Timor-Leste’s ASEAN membership journey. Cambodia’s advocacy has been instrumental in advancing Timor-Leste’s integration into the regional community.
In the evening, Ramos-Horta hosted an official banquet in honor of Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo HUN SEN, at the Palácio Nobre Lahane.
Ramos-Horta in his welcoming remarks with great honor welcome the President of the Senate of the Kingdom of Cambodia and Former Prime Minister, Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen, a valued and longstanding friend of Timor-Leste. He highlights the presence of Samdech Techo HUN SEN as a powerful testament to the enduring friendship between Timor-Leste and Cambodia.
“In the tapestry of Southeast Asian nations, Timor-Leste and Cambodia are bound by threads of shared resilience and collective aspiration. Our friendship is not merely diplomatic—it is forged in the crucible of our parallel journeys toward peace and sovereignty. As we stand together today, we demonstrate that nations which understand suffering best can build the strongest foundations for lasting peace and regional harmony. This is the wisdom our two peoples offer to our region and the world. May this banquet serve not only as a tribute to our shared past but also as the beginning of a new chapter—one filled with deeper collaboration, mutual respect, and shared success,” stated Ramos-Horta.
The high-level visit underscores the growing diplomatic ties between the two Southeast Asian nations, which share similar historical experiences in their journeys toward peace and sovereignty.
Ramos-Horta extended appreciation to Samdech Techo HUN SEN for honoring Timor-Leste with this significant visit and looks forward to the continued strengthening of friendship and cooperation between the two nations.
