On November 13, 2024, His Excellency SOK Chenda Sophea, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Cambodia, held a meeting with His Excellency Remco Johannes van Wijngaarden, Ambassador of the Netherlands to Cambodia. The discussions, conducted at the Ministry, highlighted the strong bilateral relationship between the two nations and explored avenues to deepen political and economic collaboration.
The dialogue underscored the enduring friendship between Cambodia and the Netherlands, built on mutual respect and shared interests. Both parties expressed satisfaction with the outcomes of the First Bilateral Consultation held in The Hague last year. This dialogue marked a significant step in advancing cooperation on various fronts. Plans were reaffirmed to host the next round of Bilateral Consultation in Cambodia, reflecting a mutual commitment to enhancing this constructive partnership.
H.E. SOK Chenda Sophea elaborated on Cambodia’s strategic focus on socio-economic growth and the nation’s readiness to welcome investments of all sizes from the Netherlands. He emphasized the government’s efforts to create a conducive investment environment and outlined key aspects of Cambodia’s development trajectory. Notably, he highlighted the country’s upcoming graduation from Least Developed Country (LDC) status by 2029. This milestone reflects Cambodia’s progress and aligns with its broader development objectives, including human capital growth and technological innovation under the framework of the Royal Government’s Pentagonal Strategy.
The Deputy Prime Minister also emphasized the importance of capacity building and innovation in driving sustainable progress. He shared insights on Cambodia’s focus on fostering a skilled workforce and promoting technological advancements to support long-term growth and resilience. These efforts, he noted, align with the aspirations of international partners like the Netherlands, whose expertise and investment can contribute significantly to Cambodia’s priorities.
Ambassador Remco Johannes van Wijngaarden highlighted the Netherlands’ enthusiasm for fostering stronger ties with Cambodia. He emphasized his country’s support for encouraging Dutch businesses to explore opportunities in Cambodia, particularly in areas aligned with sustainable development. By leveraging Dutch expertise, the Ambassador underscored the potential to enhance Cambodia’s capacity-building efforts and align with the Royal Government’s development agenda.
Both sides also exchanged perspectives on key regional and global issues of mutual concern, reinforcing their shared understanding of the interconnected challenges and opportunities that define the modern international landscape. Topics discussed included collaborative strategies to promote stability, economic growth, and sustainable practices in the region.
This meeting serves as a testament to the dynamic relationship between Cambodia and the Netherlands. With a focus on deepening ties through meaningful collaboration, both nations are poised to unlock opportunities that will benefit their economies and societies. As they prepare for the next round of Bilateral Consultation in Cambodia, the partnership continues to gain momentum, laying the groundwork for a mutually prosperous future.
The commitment of Cambodia and the Netherlands to fostering stronger political and economic ties reaffirms their shared dedication to sustainable progress and global cooperation. Through such engagements, the relationship between these two nations is expected to grow even stronger in the years ahead.
Source: MFAIC News
