SINGAPORE’S 60TH NATIONAL DAY RECEPTION HIGHLIGHTS STRONG BILATERAL TIES WITH CAMBODIA
On 11 August 2025, the Singapore Embassy marked Singapore’s 60th National Day with a reception attended by over 200 distinguished guests, including ministers, members of the diplomatic corps, senior government officials, and business leaders. The Guest of Honour was Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Prak Sokhonn.
In her remarks, Ambassador Teo Lay Cheng reflected on Singapore’s nation-building journey over the past six decades. She also highlighted the deep and enduring friendship between Singapore and Cambodia, which this year also celebrates its 60th anniversary. Ambassador Teo said: “Cambodia was among the very first countries to recognise Singapore when we became independent in 1965. That early trust has built something very special — a relationship that has grown over the years between our governments, our businesses, and most importantly, our people.”
The Ambassador also spoke about the successful visit of Singapore Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Lawrence Wong to Cambodia in July 2025. She said that since 1992, almost 19,000 Cambodian officials have taken part in capacity building programmes under the Singapore Cooperation Programme, many at the Cambodia-Singapore Cooperation Centre in Phnom Penh. This year, Singapore also welcomed Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Youth and Sport Dr Hang Chuon Naron as the 80th Lee Kuan Yew Exchange Fellow, and hosted Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sar Sokha, who signed a bilateral memorandum of understanding on transnational crime in Singapore.
In his address, Deputy Prime Minister Prak Sokhonn praised Singapore’s transformation from humble beginnings into a global hub of innovation, commerce, and cultural diversity. He said that Singapore’s journey stands as a testament to the vision, resilience, and industrious spirit of its people, and that its achievements and social harmony serve as an inspiring model for countries around the world. Reflecting on six decades of diplomatic relations, the Deputy Prime Minister said: “Our close friendship began in 1965 through the shared vision of His Majesty Preah Norodom Sihanouk and Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew. Their leadership built a strong foundation of mutual trust and respect that still shapes our relations today”. He added that the partnership is further strengthened through frequent high-level exchanges, most recently at the Prime Minister level in June 2024 and July 2025. Deputy Prime Minister Prak also highlighted
the steady progress between the two countries in areas such as trade, investment, education, defence and security, digital governance, renewable energy, tourism, and people-to-people exchanges. He said that Singapore was Cambodia’s top ASEAN investor in 2024 and its third- largest foreign investor overall.
The Deputy Prime Minister expressed appreciation for Singapore’s support in capacity building through the Singapore Cooperation Programme and the Initiative for ASEAN Integration. He also noted the growing tourism links between the two countries and emphasised their mutual support on regional and international platforms.
Deputy Prime Minister Prak and Ambassador Teo also reaffirmed both countries’ commitment to deepening their partnership and working together to build a better future.
