Dili, April 29, 2025 (Média Democracia) – President José Ramos-Horta received the Letters of Credence from Mr. CHUN Sovannarith, the first resident Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of the Kingdom of Cambodia to Timor-Leste.
The credential ceremony, held at the Nicolau Lobato Presidential Palace, marks a historic milestone in the diplomatic relations between Timor-Leste and Cambodia. The establishment of Cambodia’s first resident embassy in Dili highlights the growing partnership between the two nations.
“Mr. CHUN brings nearly three decades of diplomatic experience, including roles as Minister-Counsellor and Deputy Head of Mission to Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, Austria, and the European Union. He has also served 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 accession to ASEAN,” stated the Presidential Palace in a press release.
President Horta noted that as a survivor of the Khmer Rouge regime, Mr. CHUN has distinguished himself in service, earning the Medal of Honour for Distinguished Service from Samdech Techo HUN SEN and the THNAK MOHA SEREY WATH Medal from His Majesty King NORODOM SIHAMONI.
President Ramos-Horta welcomed Ambassador CHUN and expressed appreciation for Cambodia’s steadfast support for Timor-Leste, emphasizing the significance of this diplomatic development as a new path for cooperation.
“The establishment of Cambodia’s resident embassy in Dili represents not just a diplomatic formality, but a strong commitment to deepening our bilateral relations,” affirmed President Ramos-Horta.
“Cambodia has become a valued partner in our ASEAN journey, and I believe that under Ambassador CHUN’s leadership with his experience in ASEAN matters in particular our nations will continue to build strong ties of friendship and cooperation,” stated President Ramos-Horta.
Timor-Leste and Cambodia share experiences of overcoming historical challenges to build peaceful and democratic societies, creating a solid foundation for mutual understanding and collaboration.
The appointment of Cambodia’s first resident ambassador marks a significant advance in diplomatic relations between the two Southeast Asian nations and reflects Timor-Leste’s growing importance in regional affairs.
Reporting : Domingas
Photo: Media Officer, PR