Meeting between chairman of the Control Council and lawyer) of the Association of Bulgarian Veterans Peacekeepers and H.E. Dr. CHEA Chanboribo [VIDEO]

On 1 September 2025, an official meeting took place between representatives of the Association of Bulgarian Veteran Peacekeepers and His Excellency Dr. CHEA Chanboribo, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Cambodia to the Republic of Bulgaria. The Bulgarian delegation was composed of Mr. Ivo Hristoskov, Secretary of the Association; Colonel-General Stefan Davidov, Chairman of the Board; and Mr. Plamen Genov, Chairman of the Control Council. The meeting was convened in a spirit of mutual respect and friendship, reflecting the long-standing ties between the two nations and the historic cooperation established during international peacekeeping missions.

At the beginning of the discussions, H.E. Dr. CHEA Chanboribo expressed his profound gratitude to the Bulgarian peacekeepers for their valuable service during the United Nations Transitional Authority in Cambodia (UNTAC) mission of 1992–1993. He underlined that the participation of Bulgarian Veterans in this mission had played an important role in stabilizing Cambodia at a crucial moment in its modern history. His Excellency expressed his belief that the Bulgarian veterans understand better than many others the hardships Cambodia endured and the immense importance of safeguarding peace. He emphasized that Cambodia desires no confrontation or armed conflict; rather, the Kingdom seeks to cultivate peace, stability, and opportunities for joint development with its neighboring countries.

His Excellency highlighted that, despite Cambodia’s commitment to peaceful coexistence, challenges remain in the form of unresolved border dispute with Thailand. H.E. Dr. CHEA Chanboribo noted that the borders were clearly defined following the conclusion of French colonial rule and formal agreements were established, however Thailand has not always respected these arrangements. He shared detailed accounts of incidents along the border, including aggressive actions such as the use of bombs, mines, and smoke grenades. Furthermore, despite the ceasefire agreement signed on 28 July, Thai soldiers continued to lay barbed wire within Cambodian territory and forcibly displaced Cambodian civilians from their homes. These actions, the Ambassador stressed, run counter to the spirit of peace and mutual respect that Cambodia strives to uphold.

The representatives of the Bulgarian Veteran Peacekeepers Association affirmed that Cambodia holds a special place in their hearts, describing the Kingdom as a “second homeland.” They reiterated their strong conviction that international borders, once agreed upon, must always be respected and that violations of such agreements are unacceptable. In their view, humanity has entered the 21st century, an era in which disputes should no longer be settled through violence but through dialogue, diplomacy, and adherence to international law. They reaffirmed their dedication to the principles of the United Nations, namely the promotion of peace, the prevention of armed conflict, and the fostering of cooperation between nations.

In the course of the meeting, the Association of Bulgarian Veteran Peacekeepers put forward two significant proposals aimed at strengthening bilateral ties and preserving the memory of shared history. The first proposal concerned the establishment of memorials honoring the Bulgarian soldiers who lost their lives during the UNTAC mission. One memorial. They proposed, to be placed on the grounds of the Royal Embassy of Cambodia in Sofia and a second memorial to be erected at the site of the former Embassy of Bulgaria in Phnom Penh. Alongside this initiative, the Association voiced its aspiration to be formally recognized by the Bulgarian state as veterans, thereby gaining acknowledgment of their service and sacrifice.

The second proposal focused on enhancing economic and cultural exchanges between the two countries. The Association suggested promoting Cambodian goods and products within Bulgaria, while also supporting the introduction of Bulgarian goods to the Cambodian market. H.E. Dr. Chea Chanboribo noted that Bulgaria could serve as a gateway to Europe for Cambodia, while Cambodia could act as a door to the ASEAN region for Bulgaria. This mutual access, he stressed, would create new opportunities in trade, business, and investment, thereby benefiting both peoples.

Looking toward the future, the Ambassador outlined his broader vision for his mandate in Bulgaria. He expressed his determination to deepen bilateral relations not only at the diplomatic level but also across diverse sectors, including tourism, education, cultural exchange, and business partnerships. He placed special emphasis on tourism, recognizing it as a natural bridge between peoples. In this regard, he voiced his desire to make Bulgarian visas more accessible to Cambodian citizens, thus encouraging more Cambodians to visit Bulgaria, the Balkan region, and Europe as a whole. He underlined that stronger tourism flows would serve as a catalyst for improved relations in other domains, such as commerce, culture, and people-to-people contacts.

Throughout the meeting, both sides demonstrated a shared commitment to cooperation and mutual support. The Bulgarian veterans assured His Excellency of their readiness to contribute actively to initiatives that will strengthen friendship between the two nations. In turn, the Ambassador reaffirmed Cambodia’s appreciation for Bulgaria’s solidarity, both in the past and in the present, and emphasized his conviction that through joint efforts, the two countries can build a future of greater prosperity and stability.

His Excellency Dr. CHEA Chanboribo once again extended heartfelt thanks to the Bulgarian veterans for their service during the UNTAC mission, and to the Bulgarian people for their continued support during Cambodia’s periods of difficulty and transformation. Both parties expressed their hope that the relationship between Bulgaria and Cambodia will continue to deepen and flourish in the years to come.