“I consider Fidel as a father (…) and I believe that this is the basis of our relations,” said the distinguished visitor after visiting the Fidel Castro Ruz Center, created to research the thinking, life, and work of the historic leader of the Cuban Revolution.

He assured that he was pleased to return to Cuba after his first visit in 1999 when he received the Jose Marti Order from Fidel himself, and later in 2000 to attend the South-South Summit.

Hun Sen expressed his honor for participating in the strengthening of ties between the two nations in the last 40 years.

He stressed that his presence in Cuba gives a new boost to relations between Cuba and Cambodia, which have a 62-year-long friendship.

Regarding his visit to the Fidel Castro Ruz Center, the Cambodian prime minister noted that he faithfully knew the life of Cuba’s historic leader from childhood to adulthood and deeply understood his convictions in his life.

“He dedicated his entire life to the Cuban people and the peoples of the world,” he said.

Hun Sen stressed that the visit also brought back numerous memories, such as his debate with Fidel in 1999, which lasted some six hours.

The prime minister of Cambodia will conclude his visit to Cuba on Sunday, during which he met with Army General Raul Castro, President Miguel Diaz-Canel Bermudez, and National People’s Power Assembly President Esteban Lazo.

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