Cambodia marks 65th Independence Day

Cambodia commemorated the 65th anniversary of its independence from France in a two-hour ceremony here on Friday.

Nation's King Norodom Sihamoni, accompanied by country's Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen, laid a wreath and lit the ceremonial victory fire inside the Independence Monument to symbolize the country's independence from the French colonial rule.

The celebration was attended by approximately 25,000 people, who are leaders, senior officials, foreign diplomats, armed forces, civil servants, residents and students.

After the ceremony at the Independence Monument, the king and the prime minister travelled in open top cars to the front side of the Royal Palace, where they attended the commemorative independence day gathering.

Addressing to the gathering, Sihamoni said the commemorative event was held in the time that Cambodia has been enjoying full peace, political stability, and security.

"On this occasion, I'd like to appeal to the Cambodian people in all walks of life to unite solidly, under the roof of the state's constitution and laws, to protect and construct the motherland in all domains," he said.

Under the reign of late King Father Norodom Sihanouk, Cambodia gained full independence on Nov. 9, 1953 after almost a century of French colonial rule.

In his speech, Hun Sen showed his profound gratitude to late King Father Norodom Sihanouk for his royal crusade to gain the independence from the French protectorate and to soldiers for their sacrifices for the cause of the country's independence.

He vowed to continue leading the country towards more development in all fields and to uphold the nation's solidarity, freedom, social justice, democracy and human rights.

"The government vows to protect the nation's independence, peace, sovereignty and territorial integrity, and various achievements," the prime minister said.

At the end of the event, pigeons and balloons were released as a sign of independence and freedom.

Editor: Wang Shixue