In a statement released on 23 Jun 2025, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Kingdom of Cambodia announced the successful outcomes of the Fourth Round of Political Consultations between its Ministry and the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs of the Swiss Confederation.
The two-day talks, co-chaired by His Excellency KHUON Phon Rattanak, Secretary of State of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Kingdom of Cambodia, and His Excellency Ambassador Heinrich Schellenberg, Assistant State Secretary for Asia Pacific of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs of the Swiss Confederation, brought both sides closer together in their efforts to strengthen bilateral relations.
The talks focused on key areas of cooperation, including health, governance, decentralisation, agriculture, trade, investment, tourism, vocational training, demining, ASEAN, and the United Nations. Both delegations expressed deep satisfaction with the longstanding bonds of friendship and close cooperation between Cambodia and Switzerland.
His Excellency KHUON Phon Rattanak highlighted the remarkable work of the Kantha Bopha Children’s Hospitals, whose commitment to providing free, high-quality healthcare to Cambodian children and women has touched countless lives. The people of Cambodia always remember, with deep gratitude and admiration, the late Dr. Beat Richner, whose selfless dedication over the years saved the lives of millions of Cambodian children.
Ambassador Heinrich Schellenberg praised Cambodia’s rapid economic progress over the past few decades, which has undergone significant transformation, shifting from post-conflict recovery to being one of Southeast Asia’s fastest-growing economies. The co-chairs emphasized the importance of strengthening trade and investment while acknowledging that trade volumes between the two countries have been fluctuating.
Both sides agreed to explore the establishment of effective trade mechanisms, encourage business-to-business partnerships, and continue discussions on the possibility of a free trade agreement to diversify export markets. They also reaffirmed their shared commitment to promoting peace, stability, and a rules-based international order through constructive dialogue and close cooperation.
The alignment between Cambodia's Pentagonal Strategy Phase I and Switzerland's development cooperation priorities provides a robust foundation for deeper collaboration. This strategic synergy converges on key areas such as human capital development, economic diversification, sustainable development, digital innovation, and governance, forming a solid basis for sustained partnership in support of Cambodia’s Vision 2050.
The Political Consultations were held successfully in a warm and cordial atmosphere, reflecting the enduring friendship and mutual respect between Cambodia and Switzerland. The co-chairs look forward to the next round of consultations, expected to take place soon.
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