On February 12, 2024, a significant telephonic exchange took place between His Excellency SOK Chenda Sophea, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Cambodia, and the Rt Hon Winston Peters, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of New Zealand. This conversation underscored the robust and enduring relationship that has flourished between the two nations over the years.
Marking the 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations established in 1959, both officials reflected on the extensive cooperation that spans various sectors. They acknowledged the progress and mutual benefits derived from this long-standing partnership. Plans are underway for the third round of consultations between the two Foreign Ministries, set to be held in New Zealand at a mutually agreed time.
The Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister lauded New Zealand’s pivotal contributions to Cambodia’s peace process and its consistent support in areas critical to Cambodia’s socio-economic advancement, including human resource development, agriculture, and demining efforts. He also highlighted the historical context of New Zealand’s involvement in Cambodia’s UNTAC period, where around 100 New Zealand military personnel were part of the peacekeeping mission. Today, Cambodia has evolved to become a contributor to global peace, having dispatched over 9,000 personnel to United Nations peacekeeping missions worldwide.
As the conversation drew to a close, Deputy Prime Minister SOK Chenda Sophea extended an invitation to Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters to visit Cambodia at his convenience, further solidifying the diplomatic and friendly ties between the two countries. This gesture reinforces the commitment to deepen the relationship and explore new avenues for cooperation as both nations look towards the future.
Source: MFAIC News
