Minister of National Defence Tea Banh, who also heads the Cambodia SEA Games Organising Committee (CAMSOC), said the 32nd SEA Games and 12th ASEAN Para Games would leave a lasting legacy and improve the reputation of Cambodia.

He said that the biennial multi-sports events would raise the profile of Cambodia and give the world a clearer understanding of the Kingdom’s culture, civilisation, tourism, economy and prosperous society.

He said that the leadership of the government has brought the nation peace, independence and development in all sectors, providing Cambodia with the ability to host the milestone event.

“The government, relevant ministries and institutions, authorities in the capital and provinces and especially the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport, the National Olympic Committee of Cambodia [NOCC] and national sports federations have gathered a large force to work in solidarity and goodwill to responsibly host the events with serious respect according to the rules of international sports.

“Cambodia also has the ambition to warmly welcome and provide good service to all sports delegates and national and international guests in terms of the work, transport protocol, accommodations, food, security, order and health. Cambodia is set to entertain our friends with a broad smile,” he said.

Tea Banh made the remarks at a March 18 national workshop in preparation for the SEA Games and ASEAN Para Games 2023 at the ministry headquarters. The workshop aimed to give all sides a clearer understanding of the overall aspects of the event, the facilities where the competitions will take place, accommodation cards, food, transport, reception, security, health precautions and other factors.

At the workshop, Minister of Tourism and CAMSOC permanent vice-president Thong Khon said that preparations for the SEA Games and Para Games have gone smoothly and achieved many of the main objectives.

“We have improved the preparation process and achieved a great deal. We are also moving forward energetically to ensure the effectiveness of our ultimate goal,” he added.

He continued that Prime Minister Hun Sen paid close attention to preparing the events as he wants to see games run smoothly and successfully for the pride of Cambodia.

“The prime minister has always urged and reminded us all to count down the number of days to the event as a reminder to all operators for them to check and evaluate their tasks in a more comprehensive and efficient manner,” he said.