On December 6, 2024, the fourth session of Political Consultations between the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of Cambodia and Morocco marked a significant step forward in strengthening bilateral relations. The meeting, held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Morocco, was co-chaired by H.E. CHHOUK Bunna, Director General of the General Department of Europe, America, Africa, and the Middle East of Cambodia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, and H.E. Omar KADIRI, Director of Asian and Oceania Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation, and Moroccan Expatriates of the Kingdom of Morocco.
H.E. Omar KADIRI commended Cambodia’s remarkable progress over the past decades and highlighted the historic significance of the first official visit by Cambodia’s Deputy Prime Minister PRAK Sokhonn to Morocco. He recognized the visit as a milestone in Cambodia-Morocco relations and reiterated Morocco’s commitment to strengthening the existing friendly ties and cooperation at both bilateral and multilateral levels.
Enhancing Trade, Investment, and Tourism Cooperation
The two co-chairs emphasized the importance of fostering new momentum in trade and investment cooperation. They agreed to establish a Cambodia-Morocco business forum and expedite the finalization of pending agreements, including a draft agreement on reciprocal promotion and protection of investment, an agreement on the elimination of double taxation and prevention of tax evasion, and a framework agreement on economic, scientific, technical, and cultural cooperation.
Director General CHHOUK Bunna also underscored the potential for greater tourism cooperation between the two nations. Both sides agreed to work toward signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on tourism cooperation in the near future.
Strengthening Educational, Cultural, and Parliamentary Engagements
The two delegations discussed strategies to deepen cooperation in education, culture, and parliamentary-to-parliamentary engagements. They also emphasized the need to increase high-level exchange visits between Cambodia and Morocco, fostering stronger ties at various levels.
Supporting International Candidatures and Initiatives
The co-chairs reaffirmed their commitment to supporting each other’s candidatures in international organizations. Director General CHHOUK Bunna expressed gratitude for Morocco’s support of Cambodia’s candidacies for the Organizational Committee of the Peacebuilding Commission (2025–2026) and the United Nations Economic and Social Council (2028–2030). Morocco also reiterated its support for Cambodia’s hosting of the 20th Francophonie Summit and its bid to become an observer of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).
H.E. CHHOUK Bunna commended Morocco’s active engagement with ASEAN through its Sectoral Dialogue Partnership. He encouraged the timely implementation of the ASEAN-Morocco Practical Cooperation Areas (2024–2028) and welcomed Morocco’s financial contributions to the ASEAN Regional Mine Action Center (ARMAC) and the Mekong River Commission (MRC).
Establishing a Joint Commission and Roadmap for Future Cooperation
The two sides discussed the establishment of a Joint Commission to serve as a mechanism for reviewing and prioritizing bilateral cooperation initiatives. They agreed to develop a roadmap for deepening Cambodia-Morocco relations, as mandated by their respective Foreign Ministers in 2023.
Exchange of Regional and Global Perspectives
The meeting also provided an opportunity to exchange views on regional and global issues of common concern, further solidifying the cooperative framework between Cambodia and Morocco.
This session of political consultations marked a new chapter in the partnership between the two nations, underscoring their shared commitment to fostering mutual growth and cooperation across multiple sectors.
Source: MFAIC (Cambodia)
