AKP Phnom Penh, January 01, 2026 -- Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen, President of the Senate of the Kingdom of Cambodia and President of the ruling Cambodian People’s Party (CPP), receives here at the January 7 Palace this morning the 18 Cambodian soldiers and their family members, following the soldiers’ return to Cambodia on Dec. 31.

According to H.E. Chea Thyrith, Spokesperson for the Senate and the CPP, Samdech Techo Hun Sen expressed great joy and extended a heartfelt welcome to the 18 soldiers upon their return and reunion with their families. He shared his deep understanding of the emotional hardship and suffering endured by the soldiers and their families during the period of separation.

The Senate President noted that he personally understands such hardship, having experienced separation from his own family during the period when he risked his life to liberate the nation from the Khmer Rouge genocidal regime. For this reason, Samdech Techo said he fully empathises with both the soldiers and their families.

Samdech Techo also expressed his appreciation for the Royal Government of Cambodia for its continued attention to the safety, well-being, and lives of the nation’s soldiers. He added that he himself had closely followed and remained concerned about the situation and difficulties faced by the 18 soldiers throughout the period.

In addition, Samdech Techo highlighted that His Majesty the King and Her Majesty the Queen Mother have shown strong royal concern for the 18 soldiers, as well as for all Cambodian troops stationed along the border, reflecting the care and solidarity of national leadership at all levels.

The President of the Senate further shared an emotional moment, saying that he was deeply moved—and even shed tears—when he watched the live broadcast of the soldiers’ return to their homeland the previous day, witnessing the warm and heartfelt welcome from Cambodian people across the country.

He emphasised that this outpouring of support reflects the strong spirit of national unity and solidarity of the Cambodian people, both with the returning soldiers and with those continuing to serve on the front lines.

Samdech Techo concluded by extending his best wishes of good health, happiness, and prosperity to the 18 soldiers and their families.

By C. Nika