Hun Sen orders ‘Albatross’ jets on Czech visit
CA MBODIA wi l l upg rade it s a rsena l w i t h C z e c h m i l i t a r y h a r d w a r e t hrough t he purchase of L-39 “A lbat ross” t ra i n i ng jet s, Pr i me Minister Hun Sen sa id a f ter a bi latera l meet i ng wit h C z e c h c o u n t e r p a r t A n d r e j B a b i s o n Monday.
“I would like to confirm that Cambodia had already bought six L-39 jets before. This morning, I discussed t he possibilit y of buying t hree or fou r new L-39s to be used as pat rol l i ng jets.
“I hope that the Czech Republic, which is an old friend and close ally of Cambodia, will continue to support the Kingdom as it travels down the path of democracy in a peaceful and sustainable manner without disruption.
“I a lso wish to t hank t he Czech Republic, which once aga in ca me for ward to suppor t Cambodia in the EU framework.
“I hope t hat ot her countries in Europe will treat Cambodia as fairly as [Babis],” he said, as he thanked the Czech government for its continued support for Cambodia in the European Parliament.
Hun Sen said he would happily welcome the Czech pr i me minister to Ca mbodia at a n appropriate time so that the t wo leaders can excha nge idea s to br i ng bi latera l relat ions bet ween t he countries to “a new level”.
He left the Kingdom on Sunday for state v isits to the Czech Republic, Hungar y and Bulgaria – a ll of which can veto t he decision to withdraw the Kingdom’s ‘Everything But Arms’ (EBA) agreement.
Babis hailed Cambodia’s economic development and promised to improve relations and cooperation in a ll sectors, especia lly in trade and nationa l defence.
He pledged to support Cambodia ahead of the EU’s decision on whether to withdraw, keep or limit the EBA agreement.
Cambodia’s access to EBA, which sees lower tarif fs placed on t he vast majorit y of t he Kingdom’s ex por ts to t he 28-member bloc, was worth some $ 5.8 billion last year and is current ly under rev iew.
The Kingdom is currently under a monitoring period, with the European Commission set to present its final report in a few weeks time.
“With regards to EBA withdrawal by the European Commission, the Czech Republic holds the view that the [preferential tariff system] is a very important tool and Cambodia has a positive stance regarding human rights.
“We believe that the EU will discuss this issue and we will resolve it,” Babis said.
Minist r y of Nat iona l Defence spokesma n
Chhum Socheat was unable to comment on the price of the jet purchase, but told The Post that they were necessary “to defend territory and the nation”.
International Relations Institute of the Royal Academy of Cambodia director Kin Phea told The Post that he believes the Kingdom needs to strengthen its military in the wake of regional and international security developments.
The L-39 jet, with over fivemillion flying hours, is the highest-selling jet-powered training jet in the world, according to website globalsecurity.com. It is deployed by the militaries of Russia, Vietnam, Thailand, Iraq, Afghanistan and Syria among others.
“A [solid] national defence foundation and the purchase of the jets will only serve to protect the nation.
“Other countries in the region have strongly developed their defence strategies, so we must also dare to spend some of the national budget to strengthen the capacity of the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces.
“The Czech Republic has a realistic assessment of Cambodia and the EU. Their views could be the basis for the EU’s EBA decision,” Phea said.
Former Supreme CourtDissolved Cambodia National Rescue Party lawmaker Ou Chanrath expressed hope that the jet purchase would improve the Kingdom’s defence capabilities and CzechCambodia relations.
However, he said that the Czech Republic could rarely sway the EU’s decisions.
“Buying weapons is crucial to maintaining security and territorial integrity. It is completely normal and forges closer relations between countries.
“However, Eastern European allies of Cambodia can’t ensure positive results either politically or economically,” Chanrath claimed.