On September 5, 2024, officials from Cambodia and Canada convened in Ottawa for the inaugural Bilateral Consultations between their respective Foreign Ministries, signifying a commitment to enhancing ties and exploring new avenues for cooperation. The meeting, which marked an important dialogue between the two nations, was co-chaired by Chum Sounry, Secretary of State of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Cambodia, and Alan Bowman, Director-General for Southeast Asia and Oceania of Global Affairs Canada.
During this pivotal exchange, representatives from both countries examined existing partnerships and identified key areas for follow-up action. Among the focused sectors were trade and investment, the critical work of demining, consular affairs, tourism, and Francophonie—a cultural and linguistic community to which both nations belong. The two delegations communicated a mutual desire to cultivate a relationship characterized by trust and close cooperation.
One of the prominent themes of the consultations was the economic bond between ASEAN nations and Canada, with the ASEAN-Canada Strategic Partnership and the potential for a Free Trade Agreement being significant topics. The discussions reflect both parties’ interest in expanding their interconnectedness through trade, which carries the potential to bolster economic prosperity and contribute to sustainable development in both regions.
Furthermore, the Cambodian Secretary of State had the opportunity to learn about Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy from Weldon Epp, the Assistant Deputy Minister for the Indo Pacific at Global Affairs Canada. This strategy is Canada’s framework for engagement in the broader region and represents an important point of intersection with Cambodian interests, particularly in the sphere of international diplomacy and regional stability.
Secretary of State Sounry also engaged in strategic dialogue on a range of regional and global issues with Sandra Mc Cardell, Associate Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada. The exchange took place in a luncheon hosted by Mc Cardell, providing a more informal setting to discuss shared interests and concerns, indicating the commitment of both nations to not only maintain but to find new grounds upon which to build their relationship.
The Cambodian delegation at these consultations was strengthened by the presence of additional officials, including Rath Saravuth, Secretary of State of the Ministry of Commerce, and Kim Chan Phirum, the Cambodian Honorary Consul in Montréal. Their participation signifies the multi-faceted approach Cambodia is pursuing in its dialogue with Canada, encompassing economic, commercial, and diplomatic considerations.
The consultations between Cambodia and Canada represent a proactive step towards deepening the relationship between the two countries. With the world becoming increasingly interconnected, it is through discussions like these that nations can forge stronger bonds that not only benefit their direct interests but also contribute to global stability and prosperity. As these talks concluded, both nations looked forward to the potential progress and opportunities that their ongoing dialogue and cooperation might bring.
Source: Fresh News
