By Bae Jong-hyun
Korea Times Intern
Cambodia's first lady Bun Rany Hun Sen received an honorary doctorate in economics from Seoul Women's University in Seoul, Wednesday, in recognition of her outstanding contribution to women's rights and social welfare in her country.
Her husband Prime Minister Hun Sen, who attended the two-day Korea-ASEAN summit on the resort island of Jeju, which ended June 2, accompanied her to the ceremony. He was awarded an honorary doctorate in politics from Korea University on that day.
``I am very pleased to receive an honorary degree. This represents the efforts of the Cambodian people, including me, toward the reconstruction of our country,'' the 55-year-old first lady said in her acceptance speech.
As chairperson of the Cambodian Red Cross since 1998, she has been engaged in fighting poverty and AIDS, as well as helping civil war orphans in her country.
``As a woman of Cambodia, it is my desire to overcome poverty and achieve development of the nation,'' said the first lady.
She wept when she mentioned the orphans from the long lasting civil war in her country, drawing tears from guests, including university President Rhee Kwang-ja.
``I will share the glory with my husband, and my family members for their support. And I also want to thank the Korean people.''
This is the fourth time that the couple has visited Korea _ their last visit was in 2008, when President Lee Myung-bak was inaugurated.
Cambodia, devastated by a tragic civil war from 1970 to 1989, is pushing hard for economic recovery under the leadership of Hun Sen.