Dili, April 29 (AseanAll) — On April 29, 2025,Timorese President and Nobel Peace Laureate, J. Ramos-Horta, received the Letter of Credence from Mr. CHUN Sovannarith, the first resident Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Kingdom of Cambodia to Timor-Leste.
The credentials ceremony, held at the Nicolau Lobato Presidential Palace, marks a historic milestone in diplomatic relations between Timor-Leste and Cambodia. The establishment of Cambodia’s first resident embassy in Dili underscores the growing partnership between the two nations.
CHUN Sovannarith brings nearly three decades of diplomatic experience, including roles as Minister-Counsellor and Deputy Chief of Mission to Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, Austria, and the European Union. He serves as Deputy Director-General of the General Department of ASEAN (GDA) at Cambodia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. Overseeing ASEAN Dialogue Relations and Timor-Leste’s ASEAN Membership. A Khmer Rouge regime survivor, Mr. CHUN distinguished service has earned him the Gold Medal of Distinguished Work from Samdech Techo HUN SEN and the THNAK MOHA SEREY WATH medal from H.M. King NORODOM SIHAMONI.
Ramos-Horta welcomed Ambassador CHUN and expressed appreciation for Cambodia’s steadfast support for Timor-Leste, highlighted the significance of this diplomatic advancement opens new avenues for cooperation.
“The establishment of Cambodia’s resident embassy in Dili represents not just a diplomatic formality, but a profound commitment to the deepening of our bilateral relationship,” said Ramos-Horta. “Cambodia has been a valued partner in our ASEAN journey, and I am confident that under Ambassador CHUN’s leadership, whose experience in ASEAN affairs is particularly valuable to us, our nations will forge ever stronger bonds of friendship and cooperation.”
Timor-Leste and Cambodia share experiences of overcoming historical challenges to build peaceful, and democratic societies, creating a foundation for mutual understanding and collaboration.
The appointment of Cambodia’s first resident Ambassador represents a significant advancement in diplomatic relations between the two Southeast Asian nations and reflects the growing importance of Timor-Leste in regional affairs.
