(VOVworld) - Cambodia held a state funeral for Chea Sim, president of the ruling Cambodian People's Party of Prime Minister Hun Sen and also president of the Senate, who died on June 8^th at the age of 83. Among 30,000 people attending the ceremony, which was held in front of Wat Botum near the Royal Palace, were national leaders, civil servants, foreign diplomats, Buddhist monks, members of the armed forces and the police, and students.

The funeral procession for the country's late Senate president and ruling party head Chea Sim (pictured at left), in the streets of Phnom Penh on June 19, 2015. Photo: AFP

In his speech, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen said the Cambodian people and Cambodian People’s Party had lost a noble leader who devoted his entire life to national liberation, reconciliation, construction, and development.

Le Thanh Hai, Politburo member and Secretary of Ho Chi Minh City’s Party Committee attended the funeral. On the same day, a delegation of Vietnamese leaders led by Vo Van Thuong, Deputy Party Secretary of HCM City, visited the Cambodian Consulate General in the city to pay tribute to the late Cambodian leader.