Government Ministries

Prak Sokhonn Reappointed As Cambodian Foreign Minister And Deputy Prime Minister

By
on
Prak Sokhonn Reappointed As Cambodian Foreign Minister And Deputy Prime Minister
Photo Credit - Prak Sokhonn Facebook - Cambodian Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister (Nov 2024)

Cambodia's National Assembly has unanimously approved the reappointment of Prak Sokhonn as foreign minister and deputy prime minister replacing Sok Chenda Sophea in the former role on Wednesday 20th November 2024 - speculation had surfaced earlier in the week that this may happen.

Prak Sokhonn is the first vice president of the Senate and a former deputy prime minister and foreign minister. He was the deputy prime minister and foreign minister from 2016 through 2023 under Hun Sen and has previously served as Cambodia's ambassador to several countries. 

He has also held senior roles including, Chairman of the National Coordination Committee for UN Peacekeeping Operations, Chairman of the Information Research and Analysis Group at the Office of the Council of Ministers, Minister of Posts and Telecommunications and Vice-President of the Cambodian Mine Action and Victim Assistance Authority (CMAA).

Sok Chenda Sophea still occupies the deputy prime minister role, as the 112 lawmakers in attendance at the Cambodian National Assembly, unanimously voted for the change. Chenda Sophea had previously served as the Secretary-General of the Council for the Development of Cambodia (CDC).

Prime Minister Hun Manet addressed the National Assembly and emphasised the need to enhance Cambodia’s foreign policy implementation as well as the need to adhere to the principles of independence and international law to safeguard the nation’s core interests. "This reshuffle is to promote more efficient implementation of Cambodia’s foreign policy. It is essential to maintain and enhance traditional relations, solidarity, and multi-sectoral cooperation with countries and key partners for mutual benefits.”

In September 2024, Hun Manet's senior cabinet also saw Sok Soken become the inspection minister and Hout Hak become the tourism minister - with the two swapping posts. Hun Manet said adjustments in his Cabinet were meant to enhance governance and encourage the ministers to work as a team.


Cambodian Foreign Trade & Policy News