Acceptance Remarks By Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo HUN SEN Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia and Vice Chairman of the Cambodian People's Party On the Occasion of his Appointment as Chairman Emeritus of the Centrist Asia Pacific Democrats international Phnom Penh, December 1, 2010

Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,

It is a great pleasure and honour for me to accept the appointment as Chairman Emeritus of the Centrist Asia Pacific Democrats International (CAPDI). I am deeply grateful for the confidence in me. The opportunity to serve as Chairman Emeritus of this newly established organization does not only represent the pride for the Cambodian People's Party, but also the pride for Cambodia and its people.

The establishment of CAPDI, which is formerly known as the Centrist Democrats International Asia Pacific (CDI-AP), is the outcome of our desire to deepen and broaden the organization's engagement with the dynamically evolving political environment. According to CAPDI Bylaws, we are encouraged to get involved with the likes of key institutions of democratic civil society, people's organizations, think tanks, academia, eminent persons, business leaders, media, women and youth groups in order to establish good relationships with the civil society and promote its significance in political, economic and social arena.

 

In this context, the Centrist Asia Pacific Democrats International will not only play its role as an important channel of intra regional and interregional, political dialogue, but also can become a main tool for ensuring regional peace, security, stability and prosperity. Indeed, to realize this vision, a series of hard work is awaiting us.

Today, the Cambodian People's Party and I are very proud to be bestowed upon the honour and the precious opportunity to contribute to promotion of the Centrist Democrats Movement, a movement of people-centred parties. I believe that peaceful co­existence with all political parties and States on either sides of the political spectrum is the way forward for better Asia. Promoting mutual understanding between different-minded parties and States is necessary, especially in this highly globalized environment. In this regard, I note with satisfaction the adoption of the Phnom Penh Accord which will further promote not only the value and philosophy of Centrist Democrats, but also reaffirm our commitment to build a society and bring about to our peoples peace, development, prosperity and harmony based on the principles of mutual understanding, non-discrimination and respect for the culture, tradition, custom, religion and philosophy of each nation and individual.

Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,

I would also like to take this opportunity to congratulate H.E .• FIDEL RAMOS who has been appointed as Chairman Emeritus, H.E. JUSUF KALLA, who has been appointed as Chairman, H.E. JOSE de VENECIA, President, H.E. SOK AN, the Vice President, and H.E. Mashahid Hussain Sayed, Secretary of the newly established CAPO!.

Finally, I would like to reiterate that the appointment is a profound honour and a rare opportunity for me to serve and promote the Centrist Democrats. On behalf of the Cambodian People's Party and on my own behalf, I am pleased to accept this appointment and pledge to contribute as much as possible to the organization and its activities. Once again, thank you for the confidence and faith shown in me.

Thank you.