Hun Sen made the remarks while addressing a March 30 graduation ceremony for over 6,000 students from the National Institute of Business in Phnom Penh.
“Based on this, we can see that the Russia-Ukraine war will end eventually. But the one thing we cannot foresee is an end to the ongoing effects of climate change. Each day, the far-reaching consequences of climate change become more apparent,” said Hun Sen. Ministry of environment spokesman Neth Pheaktra agreed that climate change is a global challenge that causes many issues including flooding and droughts, which in turn affect the livelihoods of millions.“Cambodia is a small nation, but we are very active in our contributions to the fight against climate change. We are recognised globally for our commitment to implement policies and action plans that will prevent and reduce the effect of climate change,” he added.
He said Cambodia has set out many action plans, including reducing the use of fertilisers and bringing an end to deforestation. “I don’t believe at all that Russia is capable of destroying Ukraine completely or that Ukraine can defeat Russia, it is not possible. Even if the war was to escalate to the level of NATO, the [intergovernmental military alliance] cannot conquer Russia, and Russia cannot vanquish NATO. This is clear,” he said.
China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs published Xi’s proposed 12-point peace plan for ending the Ukraine war on February 24. They include respecting national sovereignty, abandoning a cold war mentality, ceasing hostilities, resuming peace talks, resolving the humanitarian crisis, and offering protection to civilians and prisoners of war.