PHNOM PENH — The ruling Cambodian People's Party (CPP) on Friday celebrated the 73rd anniversary of its birth, vowing to continue protecting peace and political stability for further socio-economic development.

In a speech to thousands of party members and supporters at the CPP's headquarters in Phnom Penh, CPP's President Samdech Techo Hun Sen said that for 73 years, the CPP has been the only political force that has always lived with the people despite the very complex and changing national situation.

Cambodia has been moving forward on the right path, namely the path of peace, democracy, rule of law, and development towards a very bright future

The CPP has ruled the Southeast Asian country since 1979.

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Hun Sen said the CPP has led the country from a low-income country to a lower-middle income country and has been working hard towards achieving the vision of an upper middle-income country by 2030 and a high-income nation by 2050.

"Cambodia has been moving forward on the right path, namely the path of peace, democracy, rule of law, and development towards a very bright future," he said.

Hun Sen, who is also president of the Senate, said the CPP is committed to doing everything in its power to strengthen national solidarity and unity, to maintain peace and political stability, to protect independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, to protect the constitutional monarchy, and to accelerate the development of the nation.

Hun Sen said the CPP continues to promote the implementation of its independent foreign policy based on the principles of the United Nations Charter and the ASEAN Charter

"I would like to express my deepest respect and gratitude to our compatriots everywhere who have supported and trusted in the CPP's leadership, enabling the party to successfully fulfill its mission for the nation for over the past 45 years," he said.

Hun Sen also called on major powers to restore their cooperation for the sake of regional and global peace, stability and development.

"In the current situation, where the world state of affairs is evolving in a very complex and menacing manner, I would like to call on the nation-states, especially the major powers, to restore cooperation and find solutions to hot issues through negotiations for peace, security and the lasting existence and prosperity of all mankind," Hun Sen said.

"Sanctions, violence, and wars are not good solutions; rather, they only further increase the risks for humanity," he added.

Hun Sen said the CPP continues to promote the implementation of its independent foreign policy based on the principles of the United Nations Charter and the ASEAN Charter.

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At the event, artists also performed traditional dance, and doves were released into the sky as a symbol of peace and freedom.