Royal Duties

An example of the current King Norodom Sihamoni's activites can be seen in this VNA report about his meeting with the newly-accredited Vietnamese Ambassador to Cambodia, Nguyen Chien Thang.

"Thang expressed his belief that under the reign of King Sihamoni and the leadership of the Cambodian Royal Government headed by Prime Minister Hun Sen, the Cambodian people would further succeed in building a peaceful, stable, prosperous and neutral nation having friendly relations with all countries, especially its neighbours."

Such diplomatic and regal exchange neatly juxtaposes with other news offerings from this week.

For instance, Singapore's Channel News Asia carries this Agence France Presse yarn about Cambodia mulling over a decision to beef up its navy patrol ships.

"Cambodia's small and ageing navy engages in occasional spats with Vietnam and Thailand over disputed coastal waters, while piracy and smuggling of drugs, petrol and ordinary consumer items is a rising concern."

Yep. Love thy neighbour and carry a big stick.