Cambodia’s strongman, Hun Sen, pardoned the country’s most prominent opposition politician, Kem Sokha, on Monday, in a move that might be intended to ease the kingdom’s strained relationship with the West and strengthen the legitimacy of his son’s government.

The statement on Mr. Kem Sokha’s release from house arrest was first announced by Mr. Hun Sen and then by his son, Prime Minister Hun Manet, on Monday. Mr. Kem Sokha’s lawyer confirmed it but added that his client remained barred from politics and would not be allowed to leave the country.

The surprise release of one of Cambodia’s highest-profile political prisoners stunned many in the country. It came a month after an appeals court upheld his conviction on a charge of treason, which carried a sentence of 27 years of house arrest.

“This is the beginning,” said Pheng Heng, Mr. Kem Sokha’s lawyer. He added that Mr. Hun Sen and Mr. Kem Sokha had spoken with each other before the pardon was granted and that there would be further political discussions on restoring Mr. Kem Sokha’s full freedom.

Mr. Pheng Heng said Mr. Kem Sokha, 72, was busy taking care of his mother, who was critically ill, and that he would continue the talks when he was free.

“I have never heard him say that he would stop engaging in politics,” he added.

In a letter that Mr. Pheng posted on Monday on social media, Mr. Kem Sokha wrote that solving the country’s political problems “must depend on national reconciliation and solidarity through dialogue among Cambodians.”

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By Sun Narin and Sui-Lee Wee

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