Cambodia's Prime Minister Hun Sen speaks during a groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of a 135km expressway from the capital Phnom Penh to Bavet city in Svay Rieng province on the Cambodia-Vietnam border, in Phnom Penh on June 7, 2023. (PHOTO / AFP)

PHNOM PENH - Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen on Monday called for the army to continue protecting peace as the kingdom is gearing up for a general election next month.

He made the remarks at the inauguration of new buildings at the headquarters of Brigade 70, an elite Royal Cambodian Armed Forces (RCAF) unit, on the western outskirts of Phnom Penh.

Hun Sen said peace is the most important prerequisite for national development, praising troops for their great contribution to maintaining the country's hard-earned peace

Hun Sen said peace is the most important prerequisite for national development, praising troops for their great contribution to maintaining the country's hard-earned peace.

ALSO READ: Cambodia election body disqualifies main opp party

"I'd like to appeal to the commanders, deputy commanders, and soldiers of the Brigade 70 to continue implementing good cooperation with local authorities at all levels, relevant institutions, units, and people in order to strengthen national unity and to prevent all hostile tendencies from causing social unrest and instability," he said.

The prime minister said the RCAF, particularly the Brigade 70, is the core force not only in defending sovereignty and territorial integrity, but also in supporting socio-economic development.

ALSO READ: Cambodia's Constitutional Council junks opp party's appeal

The Southeast Asian nation is scheduled to hold a general election for the 125-seat National Assembly on July 23, 2023. More than 9.7 million Cambodians have registered to cast their ballots, according to the National Election Committee.