Cambodia and Nicaragua Hold First Political Consultations in Managua
Cambodia and Nicaragua held their first round of political consultations in Managua on 18–19 October 2026, agreeing to expand cooperation in trade, investment, tourism and culture, with a second round due in Phnom Penh in 2028.
Cambodia and Nicaragua have agreed to deepen their relations and widen cooperation after holding their first round of political consultations, in the Nicaraguan capital Managua on 18–19 October 2026.
Key points
- The first Cambodia–Nicaragua political consultations took place in Managua on 18–19 October 2026.
- They were co-chaired by Cambodian Secretary of State Meas Kim Heng and Nicaraguan Co-Minister of Foreign Affairs Valdrack Jaentschke.
- Diplomatic relations date from 1994; 2026 marks their 32nd anniversary.
- A second round will be held in Phnom Penh in 2028.
Who took part
The talks were co-chaired by Meas Kim Heng, Secretary of State at Cambodia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, and Valdrack Jaentschke, Nicaragua’s Co-Minister of Foreign Affairs, together with Laureano Ortega Murillo, Nicaragua’s Presidential Adviser for the Promotion of Investments, Trade and International Cooperation.
32 years of relations
The two countries established diplomatic relations in 1994 and mark the 32nd anniversary this year. Both sides welcomed recent progress, including two agreements signed in Phnom Penh in April 2026: a memorandum of understanding setting up political consultations on issues of common interest, and a visa exemption for holders of diplomatic and official or service passports.
Areas for cooperation
The delegations exchanged views on political and economic developments at home and discussed expanding cooperation in trade and investment, culture, tourism, parliamentary relations and other areas.
At the multilateral level, they agreed to work together through the United Nations and the Forum for East Asia-Latin America Cooperation (FEALAC), and stressed peace, stability, international law and the peaceful settlement of disputes.
Meas Kim Heng also briefed his hosts on the Cambodia–Thailand border, restating Cambodia’s commitment to peaceful settlement, respect for sovereignty and the non-use of force under international law.
Parliamentary links
In Managua, Meas Kim Heng paid a courtesy call on Gustavo Porras Cortés, President of Nicaragua’s National Assembly. Porras Cortés said he intends to invite members of Cambodia’s Parliamentary Friendship Group with Nicaragua to visit.
The two sides agreed to hold the second round of consultations in Phnom Penh in 2028, on a date to be set.
Frequently asked questions
When did Cambodia and Nicaragua establish diplomatic relations?
In 1994. 2026 marks the 32nd anniversary.
Where will the next Cambodia–Nicaragua consultations be held?
In Phnom Penh, in 2028.
What is FEALAC?
The Forum for East Asia-Latin America Cooperation, an intergovernmental forum linking countries of the two regions. Cambodia and Nicaragua agreed to cooperate through it.
Based on reporting by Agence Kampuchea Presse (AKP), used with permission.
