Prime Minister Hun Manet Outlines Six Key Priorities for Cambodia’s Foreign Policy

Phnom Penh – Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet, Prime Minister of Cambodia, has highlighted six key priorities for Cambodia’s foreign policy at the closing ceremony of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MFAIC)’s Annual Review Conference. The conference, held from 3 to 5 March 2025, brought together MFAIC leadership and heads of Cambodia’s diplomatic and consular missions worldwide.

In his address, Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet praised the MFAIC’s strong performance throughout 2024, emphasizing Cambodia’s commitment to recalibrating its diplomatic efforts to respond to the complex global and regional landscape. He underscored the need for Cambodia’s foreign service to strengthen its capabilities, adapt to increasing economic competition, respond to evolving security challenges, and address rising non-traditional threats.

Six Key Priorities for Cambodia’s Foreign Policy

Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet outlined six core priorities that will shape Cambodia’s foreign policy direction:

1. Deepening Bilateral Ties and Regional Cooperation
   Cambodia aims to enhance bilateral relationships with all nations by fostering mutual trust and understanding. The focus will be on building win-win partnerships across political-security, economic, and socio-cultural sectors, especially with neighboring countries to ensure peace and cooperation along Cambodia’s borders.
2. Advancing Multilateralism
   Cambodia will continue to engage actively in global governance by supporting United Nations peacekeeping operations and contributing to global peace, stability, and sustainable development.
3. Enhancing ASEAN’s Central Role
   Strengthening ASEAN’s unity and centrality remains a key goal. Cambodia will work to maintain regional stability, support peaceful conflict resolution, and contribute to the realization of the ASEAN Community Vision 2045, which is set to be adopted this year.
4. Promoting Economic and Cultural Diplomacy
   Cambodia plans to enhance its presence in the global marketplace by increasing trade relations, attracting foreign investment, and promoting tourism. The country’s rich cultural heritage will be leveraged to strengthen economic growth and national image.
5. Strengthening Public Diplomacy
   Efforts to combat misinformation and protect Cambodia’s national interests on the global stage will be intensified. Cambodia will work to project a positive image internationally through enhanced public diplomacy.
6. Improving Diplomatic Efficiency and Professionalism
   Institutional reforms will be introduced to enhance the operational efficiency and professionalism of Cambodia’s foreign service. The focus will be on strengthening diplomatic capabilities to respond effectively to global challenges.

Commitment to Permanent Neutrality and Non-Alignment

Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet reaffirmed Cambodia’s adherence to an independent foreign policy of permanent neutrality and non-alignment, in line with the principles of international law, the United Nations Charter, the Constitution of Cambodia, and the country’s core national interests. He emphasized the importance of strategic engagement to protect Cambodia’s independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity, peace, and socio-economic progress.