July 27, 2023 03:21 am | Updated 03:21 am IST - Phnom PenhCambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen, one of the world's longest-serving leaders, said Wednesday he will resign and hand power to his eldest son after almost four decades of hardline rule. Hun Sen said Hun Manet, a 45-year-old four-star general, would take over as prime minister at the head of a new government on the evening of August 22. While insisting he would not interfere with his son's rule, Hun Sen said he would help him to "control security, order and take part in the further development of the country". Under Hun Sen, Cambodia has tacked close to Beijing, benefiting from huge Chinese investment and infrastructure projects, including the redevelopment of a naval base that has alarmed Washington. China welcomed Sunday's election, with President Xi Jinping sending Hun Sen a personal message of congratulations.

Source: The Hindu July 27, 2023 18:48 UTC