Bengaluru/Siem Reap: A landmark Letter of Intent for Sister City Cooperation was signed between the Government of Karnataka and the Provincial Government of Siem Reap, marking a new chapter in India–Cambodia relations. The agreement aims to foster cultural, educational, tourism, and technological exchanges between the two regions.
The signing ceremony brought together key dignitaries from both sides. Present at the event were (L to R): Mr. Karthik Tallam, Honorary Consul of Cambodia; H.E. Kuch Pannahasa, Secretary of State, Ministry of Tourism, Cambodia; Shri H.K. Patil, Minister of Tourism, Government of Karnataka; H.E. Yun Linne, Deputy Governor, Provincial Government of Siem Reap; and Mr. Thim Sereyvudh, Acting Director of Tourism, Provincial Government of Siem Reap.
The initiative received crucial contributions from Dr. Salma Fahim, IAS, Secretary, Department of Tourism, Government of Karnataka; Mr. Shivaputra, PS to the Minister of Tourism, Government of Karnataka; Mr. Thim Sereyvudh of the Department of Tourism, Government of Siem Reap; the Provincial Administration of Siem Reap; and the Cambodian Ministry of Tourism, represented by H.E. Kuch Pannahasa.
Speaking on the occasion, Shri H.K. Patil, Minister of Tourism, Government of Karnataka, highlighted the deep historical and cultural linkages between the two regions, noting the shared architectural heritage between Angkor Wat in Cambodia and Karnataka’s UNESCO World Heritage sites such as Hampi, Pattadakal, and Aihole. He underlined that the partnership will advance cooperation in tourism, culture, sustainable heritage management, and people-to-people exchanges.
H.E. Kuch Pannahasa emphasized Cambodia’s commitment to building closer ties through cultural diplomacy and knowledge sharing, while H.E. Yun Linne expressed confidence that the collaboration would enhance Siem Reap’s global tourism profile.
Mr. Karthik Tallam, Honorary Consul of Cambodia in Bengaluru, called the agreement a “historic moment in the history of relations between India and Cambodia,” stressing that this was only the beginning of a deeper partnership. “The provinces of Karnataka and Siem Reap have decided to cooperate and establish ties that will foster cultural and educational tourism, enhanced connectivity, and scientific and technological exchanges. Our office stands ready to support and facilitate these exchanges between the people of the two regions,” he said.
The Letter of Intent not only strengthens the bonds between Karnataka and Siem Reap but also reflects the broader civilizational ties between India and Cambodia. Officials from both sides agreed that direct connectivity, cultural roadshows, and knowledge-sharing initiatives will be the next steps in translating the agreement into meaningful action.
