Cambodian King goes to China for medical check-up, Hun Sen retains power as head of state

The departure of Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni and Queen Mother Norodom Monineath Sihanouk from Phnom Penh International Airport was marked by a solemn farewell ceremony attended by senior Cambodian leaders and royal family members, according to the Khmer Times today, August 27.

Among the prominent figures present at the airport were President of the Cambodian Senate Hun Sen, who is also President of the Supreme Privy Council of Cambodia (the king's advisory body), and Prime Minister Hun Manet.

Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen at the farewell ceremony for Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni and Queen Mother Norodom Monineath Sihanouk leaving Phnom Penh International Airport for China on August 26.

Photo: Fresh News screenshot

During the absence of Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni, Mr. Hun Sen will assume the role of acting head of state, ensuring uninterrupted national leadership, according to Khmer Times .

This medical visit to Beijing is part of a long-standing tradition, as Cambodian royals regularly undergo health check-ups in China.

Their most recent medical visit to China took place earlier this year, from February 26 to March 28, 2024.

Chinese Ambassador to Cambodia Wang Wenbin also attended the farewell ceremony for Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni and Queen Mother Norodom Monineath Sihanouk as they departed from Phnom Penh, where he emphasized the close relationship between Cambodia and China.

Speaking at the official launch ceremony of his diplomatic mission to Cambodia recently, Ambassador Wang told Khmer Times that his mission has several priorities. Among them is promoting more state visits between Cambodians and Chinese leaders in public service and all other areas, as 2024 is marked by both countries as the “Cambodia-China People-to-People Exchange Year.”

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/vua-camuchia-den-trung-quoc-kham-suc-khoe-ong-hun-sen-giu-quyen-nguyen-thu-quoc-gia-185240827085115771.htm