During an official meeting held on July 4, 2024, German Ambassador to Cambodia, Stefan Messerer, expressed Germany’s ongoing commitment to supporting Cambodia’s development. The meeting with Cambodian Senate President, Samdech Techo Hun Sen, served as a platform for discussions on a variety of topics, including bilateral relations and future cooperation.
The encounter began with Samdech Techo extending his congratulations to the German government and its football team for their achievements in the European Football Championship, particularly their advancement to the quarter-finals. Ambassador Messerer then shared his observations on Cambodia’s prosperity, highlighting the rapid and robust development of Phnom Penh during his two-year tenure.
Ambassador Messerer took the opportunity to commend the continuously strengthening relations between Cambodia and Germany, underscored by frequent diplomatic visits and people-to-people exchanges. Notably, the past two years have seen over 17 German delegations visit Cambodia, a significant increase from the previous decade. These visits included one by the German president and his spouse, indicating the deepening ties between the two nations.
Looking ahead, Ambassador Messerer revealed plans for three German business delegations to visit Cambodia, with aspirations of expanding German direct investment in the Kingdom. Additionally, he discussed the recent opening of a German Consulate in Siem Reap, managed by an Honorary Consul with specializations in trade and tourism. This new post is expected to draw more German and European tourists to the culturally rich region of Siem Reap.
In his dialogue with Samdech Techo, Ambassador Messerer pledged his support for the developmental goals of Cambodia’s 7th mandate Royal Government, in alignment with the Pentagonal Strategy Phase One. He also highlighted the fruitful cooperation between Cambodia and Germany in international forums and expressed gratitude for Cambodia’s role in training Ukrainian deminers.
Further discussing demining efforts, the ambassador emphasized Germany’s commitment to collaborating with international organizations to assist Cambodia in reaching its objective of becoming mine-free by 2025. Additionally, he acknowledged Germany’s ongoing support for the conservation of Angkor Wat and its temples, representing the world’s longest-standing cultural heritage project.
In response, Samdech Techo appreciated the continuity of cooperation with German leadership, reflecting on a recent encounter with the German president in Brussels that underscored the mutual desire for closer collaboration. The Senate president thanked the German government for its significant contributions to Cambodia’s socioeconomic development and highlighted the progress made in trade, investment, and tourism as a result of high-level delegation exchanges.
Samdech Techo also called for the German ambassador’s support in promoting economic growth, investment, and human resource development. On the topic of demining, he reiterated Cambodia’s goal to be mine-free by 2025 and sought continued German assistance. Furthermore, he appealed for help in preserving Cambodia’s extensive temple heritage and urged for German support in negotiating a free trade agreement between ASEAN and the European Union.
Concluding the meeting, Samdech Techo expressed confidence that the German Consulate in Siem Reap would play a vital role in promoting Cambodian tourism, benefiting both nations through enhanced cultural and economic exchanges.
Source: Fresh News
