PHNOM PENH, April 15 (Xinhua) -- Cambodia on Tuesday started to celebrate its traditional three-day Lunar New Year -- the Year of the Horse.

In a New Year message to the compatriots, Prime Minister Hun Manet extended his best wishes to all Cambodian people, vowing to defend peace and territorial integrity, while accelerating deeper reforms to keep the economy stable and society resilient in an increasingly uncertain world.

He said that in the face of a series of challenges, both external and internal, with high uncertainties and risks, the world has been learning to live in a new situation and is looking for a new normal.

"For Cambodia, the best option is to strengthen itself and its ownership over important and necessary bases in order to increase its capacity to respond to problems and crises with resilience," he said.

Hun Manet, who has been in office for nearly three years, said that more vigorous reforms would be implemented in 2026 and beyond to respond to the requests, needs, expectations and aspirations of the people of Cambodia.

"The Royal Government of Cambodia will continue to vigorously carry out its historic mission with a strong, relentless and energetic commitment to deeper and broader reforms in all areas," he said.

The traditional New Year is the largest holiday in the Southeast Asian country. On the occasion, people prepare food, fruits and soft drinks on altars and light candles and incense sticks to greet the New Year's angel.

Besides, they bring food, cash gifts and praying stuff to offer to Buddhist monks at pagodas in order to dedicate to their ancestors and pray for longevity, good luck, happiness and prosperity in the New Year.

The New Year is also the time for young girls and boys to gather and play a variety of traditional games, dancing and singing in the vicinity of pagodas and tourist resorts throughout the kingdom.■