Senate President Hun Sen weighed in on the recent heated spat between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and US President Donald Trump, emphasising that patience played a critical role in the negotiations.
In a Facebook post on Monday, Mr Hun Sen, who served as prime minister for over 38 years, reflected on the power of patience in diplomacy.
Zelensky arrived at the White House’s Oval Office meeting expecting to sign a minerals deal on February 28 that Trump said would bring Ukraine closer to ending its conflict with Russia.
During his visit, Zelensky was set to sign the deal granting the US greater access to Ukraine’s rare earth minerals and hold a joint news conference. However, that plan was scrapped following the heated exchange between Zelensky and Trump, US media reports said.
Trump threatened to withdraw US support for Ukraine if the leaders couldn’t reach a deal.
“You’re either going to make a deal or we’re out,” Trump said. “And if we’re out, you’ll fight it out and I don’t think it’s going to be pretty.”
Drawing from his experience in the 1989 peace talks in Jakarta, Indonesia, which Mr Hun Sen referred to as the “eating rice package” negotiations, he shared insights into lessons that can be applied to today’s complex international relations.
In 1989, then-Prime Minister Hun Sen participated in peace talks with three other warring factions, including then-Prince Norodom Sihanouk. The talks dragged on, ultimately leading to the signing of the 1991 Paris Peace Agreements.
At the age of 37, Mr Hun Sen was negotiating peace for the nation and he recounted how patience became his most essential tool.
“At that time, I was 37 years old, but I had to be patient—for the sake of the nation’s peace,” he said. “Be patient, be patient, and be patient. This is the lesson I carry with me.”
As global tensions continue to rise, the Senate President’s message is a reminder for leaders engaged in sensitive negotiations to embrace patience and perseverance.
In January, Mr Hun Sen called for immediate peace negotiations in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, saying that waiting for military advantages would only prolong the suffering.
Reflecting on Cambodia’s own history, he said that the nation learnt the importance of negotiating for peace early in a conflict.
“The experience that Cambodia has gone through is that the sooner, the better. Negotiating while fighting is better than fighting alone,” he said at that time.
Mr Hun Sen encouraged foreign nations to support peace efforts rather than hinder negotiations or push for endless conflict.
He also made it clear that the decision to pursue peace talks lies with Ukraine alone, not with NATO or other foreign powers.
“Foreign friends should encourage negotiations rather than hindering negotiations and pushing towards endless fighting,” Mr Hun Sen said at that time. “Only the Ukrainian leader can decide whether to negotiate or not, not the head of NATO or other countries.”
Thong Mengdavid, a Geopolitical Analyst and Professor at the Institute of International Relations and Public Policy Studies at the Royal University of Phnom Penh, said that Mr Hun Sen’s remarks reflect the qualities of a pragmatic politician with a long-term vision and a commitment to the nation’s best interests.
“Mr Hun Sen prioritises the country’s peace and security, and his emphasis on maintaining patience significantly influences decision-making and the implementation of a high-level political and moral negotiation strategy. This approach minimises risks while ensuring consistency in gathering and analysing information,” Mengdavid said.
He added that Mr Hun Sen’s statements provide a valuable guideline for effective political and diplomatic negotiations during times of war.
“If national leaders fail to remain calm, patient, and open-minded, negotiations may become vulnerable to negative outcomes that could severely impact peace processes and the search for mutual solutions,” Mengdavid said.
He said that the meeting between Zelensky and Trump highlights a key reality in the international system: major powers continue to leverage their political, economic, and military influence to serve their own interests and achieve strategic objectives.
Meanwhile, Mr Hun Sen has tested negative for COVID-19 for the second time, confirming his recovery and allowing him to resume his official duties.
He said that he had taken a rapid COVID-19 test, which returned a negative result. His doctors confirmed that he was no longer infected with COVID-19.
He added that he would resume his regular work schedule, including welcoming both national and international guests. (Additional reporting by Taing Rinith)
