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Speech at a State Banquet hosted by
their Majesties, the King and Queen of Cambodia, 6 November
2002
Your Majesty, Preah Bat Preah Norodom Sihanouk, King
of Cambodia
Your Majesty, Norodom Monineath Sihanouk, Queen of Cambodia
Your Excellencies,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
My delegation, my wife and I feel greatly honoured
and privileged this evening to be hosted by Your Majesties
the King and Queen of Cambodia. We are humbled by the
warm welcome and the hospitality extended to us by Your
Majesties, the Government and the People of the Kingdom
of Cambodia, as well as the kind remarks of His Majesty
about us.
Your Majesties
This morning we had the privilege of visiting the National
Museum of Cambodia where we were exposed to the rich
history and culture of Cambodia as seen in the artifacts
and treasures of the Khmer Kingdom.
The role of His Majesty in Cambodia's independence
from Colonial rule in 1953 served as an inspiration
to many countries in Asia and Africa in working towards
their emancipation.
We remember the pioneering role played by His Majesty
the King, in fostering solidarity between the peoples
of Africa and Asia at the historic Bandung Conference
of 1955. We also recall and acknowledge the historic
role played by His Majesty King Norodom Sihanouk in
the founding of the Non Aligned Movement. Your Majesty's
unwavering support and that of the people of Cambodia
for the struggle to achieve a just and democratic society
in South Africa is indeed highly appreciated.
Like South Africa, Cambodia also experienced a painful
period of turbulence and suffering in its recent history
under the rule of the Khmer Rouge. However, due to the
sterling leadership of Your Majesties and the resilience
of the people of Cambodia, peace and democracy returned
to Cambodia. We would like to congratulate Your Majesties
and the people of Cambodia in choosing the path of peace
and democracy.
Your Majesties
Since the establishment of Diplomatic relations between
our two countries in 1995, our relations have grown
steadily.
Your Majesties, yesterday we had the honour to address
the 8th ASEAN Summit on the New Partnership for Africa's
Development (NEPAD). This has provided us with an opportunity
to further strengthen the warm friendship that exists
between the peoples of Africa and Asia.
We are confident that Cambodia, as Chair of the Association
of Southeast Asian Nations, will provide a new impetus
in steering the organization towards fulfilling its
goals and improving the quality of life of all the people
of the region. We also hope that we can foster closer
working relations between ASEAN and the African Union.
As countries of the South both Africa and Asia are faced
with similar developmental challenges and we have the
opportunity to share our experiences and resources for
the mutual benefit of all our people.
On behalf of the government and people of the Republic
of South Africa, I wish to request the permission of
Your Majesties to propose a toast to the health, long
life and happiness of His Majesty Preah Bat Preah Norodom
Sihanouk, King of the Kingdom of Cambodia, Her Majesty
Norodom Monineath Sihanouk, Queen of the Kingdom of
Cambodia as well as the Government and the friendly
people of the Kingdom of Cambodia, towards prosperity
and success in our joint endeavours and partnerships,
and to even closer relations between the Republic of
South Africa and the Kingdom of Cambodia.
I thank you.
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