PHNOM PENH, Nov 10 (NNN-XINHUA) – Cambodia yesterday commemorated the 67th anniversary of the declaration of Independence from French colonial rule.
The nation’s King, Norodom Sihamoni, accompanied by Senate President, Samdech Say Chhum, and National Assembly President, Samdech Heng Samrin, laid a wreath and lit the ceremonial victory fire, inside the Independence Monument in the capital, Phnom Penh, which symbolises the country’s independence.
Cambodian Prime Minister, Samdech Techo Hun Sen was absent at the event, because he is undergoing a 14-day self-quarantine at home, since Nov 4, a day after meeting with COVID-19-infected Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Peter Szijjarto.
Hun Sen wrote on his Facebook page that, Nov 9 reminded the people of a noble mission conducted by the late Cambodian King, Norodom Sihanouk, to demand independence from the French colonial rule.
“The king had sacrificed both physical and mental energies in his royal crusade to gain full independence for Cambodia,” he said.
The celebration was attended by thousands of people, including leaders, senior officials, foreign diplomats, armed forces, civil servants, residents and students. All wore face masks to guard against COVID-19.
At the end of the event, pigeons and balloons were released as a sign of independence and freedom.
The nation won its independence from France on Nov 9, 1953.
France ruled Cambodia for 90 years from 1863 to 1953.– NNN-XINHUA
