International Collaboration

On the morning of 10 December 2024, His Excellency Deputy Prime Minister PRAK Sokhonn, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, and His Excellency UENO Atsushi, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Cambodia, formalized the exchange of notes and related documents. This agreement marks the extension of grant aid totaling JPY 1,001 million (approximately USD 7.2 million) from Japan to the Royal Government of Cambodia. The grant, provided under the Economic and Social Development Programme, was signed during a ceremony at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.

Source: mfaic

Saudi Arabia’s Parliament Speaker Abdullah Mohammed Ibrahim Al-Sheikh announced plans to establish an embassy in Cambodia, marking a significant step towards bolstering diplomatic relations between the two nations. The announcement came during a meeting with Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen at the National Assembly in Riyadh on Monday.

Abdullah emphasized that the embassy’s opening would facilitate stronger bilateral cooperation, particularly in economic and cultural sectors. Highlighting Saudi Arabia’s focus on promoting its economy, religion, and international collaboration—especially in the oil sector—he noted the potential for deepening ties with Cambodia.

He also welcomed Hun Sen’s proposals to provide scholarships for Cambodian youth and organize sports competitions between the two countries. Expressing his pleasure in working with the Cambodian side, Abdullah revealed that the Saudi Arabian National Assembly has a dedicated committee for Cambodia but called for enhanced collaboration in the future.

Hun Sen, in turn, underscored the importance of the visit in advancing bilateral relations, particularly in people-to-people exchanges, tourism, and sports. He highlighted the complementary strengths of both nations, with Saudi Arabia providing energy security and Cambodia offering food security.

The Cambodian Senate President expressed gratitude to the King of Saudi Arabia for annually facilitating the participation of 20 to 100 Cambodian Muslims in the Hajj pilgrimage and for supporting scholarships for Cambodian youth. He noted Cambodia’s commitment to fostering religious harmony, citing the Islamic Supreme Council’s status in the country as equivalent to the Supreme Patriarch of Buddhism. “Cambodia is a model country in implementing the policy of religious reconciliation in Southeast Asia,” Hun Sen said.

Hun Sen extended an invitation to Abdullah to visit Cambodia, which Abdullah accepted. Both sides also exchanged views on regional and international matters during their discussions.

Policy Analyst Highlights Opportunities

Seun Sam, a policy analyst at the Royal Academy of Cambodia, hailed the embassy’s opening as a positive development. He noted that formal relations with Saudi Arabia, a wealthy nation, would create opportunities for Cambodian students to study in Saudi Arabia and encourage investment by Cambodian businessmen in the kingdom.

Although Saudi Arabia has yet to establish its embassy in Cambodia, existing ties include Cambodian domestic workers employed in Saudi homes. Sam expressed hope that the embassy would further strengthen cooperation and foster beneficial initiatives between the two countries.

Hun Sen’s Regional Diplomacy Tour

Hun Sen’s visit to Saudi Arabia is part of a broader diplomatic tour to strengthen Cambodia’s relations with Middle Eastern nations, including Qatar, Türkiye, and the United Arab Emirates. From December 8 to 14, he is leading a high-ranking Cambodian delegation on official visits to these countries.

In Qatar, Hun Sen is scheduled to meet Hassan bin Abdullah Al-Ghanim, Speaker of the Qatari Parliament, and Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani, Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Qatar.

In Türkiye, he will hold discussions with Numan Kurtulmuş, Speaker of the Grand National Assembly, and President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. The visit will also include participation in special events and tours of key historical sites.

Hun Sen’s diplomatic efforts aim to enhance Cambodia’s global presence, attract investment, and strengthen partnerships with countries in the region.

Source: Khmer Times