The recent official visit of Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei HUN Manet, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia, to the Republic of Korea (ROK) from May 15 to 18, 2024, marks a significant milestone in the diplomatic and economic relations between the two nations. Accompanied by First Lady Dr. Pich Chanmony HunManet and a delegation of senior government officials, Samdech Thipadei’s visit underscores Cambodia’s commitment to deepening bilateral ties and fostering a mutually beneficial partnership with South Korea.
The visit was characterized by a series of high-level meetings and fruitful discussions with key Korean leaders, including President Yoon Suk Yeol, Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, and National Assembly Speaker Kim Jin-pyo. These meetings highlighted the strong foundation of friendship and cooperation between Cambodia and South Korea, reaffirming their shared commitment to socio-economic development, regional stability, and strategic partnership.
Samdech Thipadei’s engagements with Korean business leaders and government officials emphasized the vast potential for enhanced economic collaboration. Addressing the Cambodia-Korea Business Forum, attended by 300 delegates from around 200 companies, Samdech Thipadei encouraged increased ROK investment in vital sectors such as agriculture, food processing, and advanced manufacturing. His optimism about Korean companies’ ability to expand their presence in Southeast Asia and contribute to the region’s economic growth resonated strongly with the attendees.
The discussions also focused on creating a favorable business environment in Cambodia, with initiatives aimed at establishing a customized Special Economic Zone for ROK companies. The establishment of a consultative mechanism between the Cambodian Development Council (CDC) and the ROK Embassy further underscores the commitment to facilitating and promoting Korean investment in Cambodia.
In addition to economic cooperation, the visit reinforced the importance of people-to-people ties. Samdech Thipadei and the First Lady were warmly welcomed by the Cambodian community in South Korea, reaffirming the Royal Government’s dedication to addressing the challenges faced by Cambodians abroad and ensuring their welfare.
Notably, the visit saw the signing of 13 key documents, including agreements on rural road improvement, investment, intellectual property, narcotics control, and cross-border QR code payments. These agreements reflect a comprehensive approach to strengthening bilateral relations across various domains.
The commitment to sustainable development and environmental cooperation was also highlighted in meetings with Korean officials, such as Dr. Yun Seog-dae, CEO of Korea Water Resources Corporation (K-water). Discussions centered on sustainable water resource development and infrastructure projects in Cambodia, aligning with global environmental goals.
Overall, Samdech Thipadei’s visit to the Republic of Korea was marked by a spirit of collaboration and forward-thinking. The outcomes of this visit are poised to significantly bolster Cambodia’s economic growth, enhance regional stability, and foster a prosperous future for both nations. This visit not only reinforces the strong ties between Cambodia and South Korea but also sets a robust foundation for future cooperation and shared success.
