Phnom Penh/Istanbul, July 1, 2025 — Cambodia and Turkiye have taken a significant step toward enhancing their bilateral cooperation in the transport and logistics sector by signing a draft Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) focused on connectivity through international transit corridors — notably the Middle Corridor and the Transport Corridor Europe-Caucasus-Asia (TRACECA).
The agreement was formalised by Leng Thunyuthea, Secretary of State at Cambodia’s Ministry of Public Works and Transport, and Abdulkadir Uraloğlu, Turkish Minister of Transport and Infrastructure, during the Global Transport Connectivity Forum, held from June 27 to 29 in Istanbul, Turkiye. Themed “Seamless Connectivity, Limitless Possibilities,” the forum convened more than 4,000 participants including senior officials from 60 countries, leaders of international institutions, researchers, and private sector representatives.
The signing underscores a growing recognition of Cambodia’s emerging role in Asia-Europe logistics chains. The MoU is expected to enhance Cambodia’s integration into the Middle Corridor — an overland trade route connecting Asia with Europe via Central Asia, the Caucasus, and Turkiye — and TRACECA, a key multimodal network facilitating Euro-Asian trade.
A statement from Cambodia’s Ministry of Public Works and Transport described the MoU as a milestone to “enhance Cambodia’s strategic role in connecting to these corridors and integrating into the Asia-Europe supply chain.” It added that such initiatives are crucial for attracting foreign direct investment and developing Cambodia as a logistics hub in the ASEAN region.
Speaking during a panel titled “The Evolving Geometry of the Middle Corridor: New Gateways, New Possibilities,” Secretary of State Leng Thunyuthea highlighted the corridor’s potential to connect ASEAN — and particularly Cambodia — with European markets. He emphasized the region’s investment potential, economic stability, and Cambodia’s growing capabilities in transport infrastructure.
He also outlined Cambodia’s national policies that focus on sustainable, resilient, and environmentally responsible infrastructure in line with broader ASEAN connectivity goals. Cambodia has made significant progress in recent years with road, rail, and port development, bolstering its ambitions to play a larger role in global trade flows.
The Global Transport Connectivity Forum, inaugurated by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, addressed pressing issues related to connectivity and logistics amid global challenges including climate change, geopolitical tensions, and ongoing conflicts in Europe and the Middle East. Participants collectively committed to unlocking the full potential of the Middle Corridor and TRACECA as secure, sustainable, and efficient transport routes — positioning them as vital alternatives to overburdened East-West corridors.
Expanding Air Connectivity: Turkish Airlines to Launch Phnom Penh Flights
In a further sign of strengthening Cambodia-Turkiye relations, Turkish Airlines has announced it will begin direct flights to Phnom Penh starting December 10, 2025. The new route will include a stopover in Bangkok, Thailand, and will operate three times per week.
According to Turkish Airlines, the Phnom Penh service will increase its presence in East Asia to 20 cities and 21 airports, providing greater convenience for passengers and reinforcing its position as the largest airline connectivity provider in Europe. The airline also noted that it remains the only European carrier currently flying to Phnom Penh.
The introduction of direct flights is expected to bolster trade, tourism, and investment between the two nations, while supporting the objectives of the MoU by physically linking Cambodia to the Turkish and broader European transport networks.
Strategic Implications for Cambodia
This new agreement and growing connectivity with Turkiye come at a time when Cambodia is actively positioning itself as a gateway for trade between Asia and Europe. With the support of regional initiatives and international partners, Cambodia is accelerating investment in transport infrastructure, smart logistics, and multimodal integration.
The Middle Corridor and TRACECA offer Cambodia a promising path to diversify its trade routes, reduce reliance on traditional East-West shipping lanes, and align itself with emerging economic corridors shaped by Eurasian partnerships.
If successfully implemented, this bilateral cooperation could transform Cambodia into a key logistics and investment hub within ASEAN — one that bridges Asia and Europe through sustainable and strategic transport development.
