Synopsis: Key national figures praise Hun Manet, wishing him good health, wisdom and longevity as he leads Cambodia towards continued progress.

King Norodom Sihamoni has congratulated Prime Minister Hun Manet on his 49th birthday yesterday, praising his dedication to national service, peace, development, and Cambodia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Queen Mother Norodom Monineath Sihanouk and Senate President Hun Sen also extended their warm wishes.

In a royal message released on Monday, the King expressed deep admiration for Mr Hun Manet’s patriotism, sacrifice, and strong sense of duty in serving the nation. He noted that the Prime Minister’s leadership has maintained social stability, fostered economic progress, and elevated Cambodia’s global standing through strengthened diplomatic ties.

The King bestowed his blessings on Mr Hun Manet, wishing him wisdom, health, and longevity to continue guiding the country towards sustainable development.

The Queen Mother praised his efforts to advance national development and foster unity, noting that Cambodia continues to expand ties with regional and international partners under his leadership. Meanwhile, Mr Hun Sen offered congratulations and prayers for his well-being.

According to The Influential Eldest Son, a biography by Prime Ministerial adviser Pov Sok, Mr Hun Manet was born on October 20, 1977, in Samraong village, Triek commune, Kampong Cham province (now Tboung Khmum province), during the Khmer Rouge regime.

The book examines key experiences that shaped his rise to leadership, including his military command during the Preah Vihear Temple conflict (2008–2013), border preparations near O’Alai and O’Tangav, the response to the COVID-19 pandemic, and military reforms.

Government spokesman Pen Bona detailed the administration’s achievements over the past three years amid significant challenges. Major infrastructure projects include hospitals, schools, administrative buildings, expressways, international airports, multimodal logistics centres, deep-sea ports, the Funan Techo Canal, transport networks, and special development zones.

Bona noted challenges facing the government, such as border tensions with Thailand, efforts to combat online scams, and economic repercussions from Middle East conflicts and broader global uncertainty.

• Tags: Cambodia, Hun Manet