Cambodia calls for respect for int’l law amid Venezuela crisis

In its first statement on the political unrest in Venezuela, Cambodia made a strong call for peaceful mechanisms and adherence to international laws to return stability to the Latin American country.

In a statement released yesterday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MOFAIC) spokesperson said the ministry would like to make its position known after receiving media enquiries on the situation in Venezuela.

The spokesperson said that Cambodia is concerned about the conditions in Venezuela and calling for advocacy to restore peace and stability to the country.

The statement reiterated Cambodia’s belief that countries should solve disagreements through dialogue and negotiation, not through violence or force.

“Cambodia consistently upholds the importance of peaceful settlement of differences and disputes through dialogue and respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all states, to contribute to peace, security, stability, and cooperation in the region and the world,” the spokesperson stated.

MOFAIC said compliance with international laws is necessary to settle differences.

“Cambodia wishes to underscore its respect for international laws and norms and its compliance with principles enshrined in the United Nations Charter,” the statement added.

In an unprecedented event on January 3, US forces captured Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and flew him to New York to face federal charges, including narcotics and related crimes.

Maduro’s detention triggered a constitutional crisis while the Trump administration supported a post-Maduro leadership narrative, claiming influence over Venezuela’s interim governance, and engaging diplomatically with acting leaders.

Venezuela’s Supreme Tribunal of Justice declared Vice-President Delcy Rodriguez acting president, but many foreign governments, including the EU, do not recognise her legitimacy. Rodriguez has defied US claims and insisted that Maduro is the only legitimate president, deepening political confusion.

Cambodia and Venezuela relations are cordial but relatively low-profile, shaped more by diplomatic dialogue and mutual respect than by extensive economic or strategic partnerships. The interaction that does exist is built around multilateral forums like the UN and parliamentary goodwill.

Asian Vision Institute President Chheng Kimlong said Cambodia declared its position on Venezuela as a diplomatic act of good faith towards all parties.

“In its statement, MOFAIC only used light language and does not criticise or condemn any party,” he said. “However, the statement is made based on a strong stance that Cambodia always engages: international laws need to be respected, and interference into the internal affairs of another country should not be permitted.”

“What is happening in Venezuela does not represent a matter between two countries, but the issue of Latin America as a whole.”KhmerTime