In a significant development, the 11th Cambodia-Russia Intergovernmental Commission Session on Trade, Economic, Scientific and Technical Cooperation took place via videoconference on April 28, 2025. The session was co-chaired by His Excellency PRAK Sokhonn, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Kingdom of Cambodia, and Her Excellency Oksana Lut, Minister of Agriculture of the Russian Federation.
The meeting focused on intensifying bilateral cooperation in key areas, including trade and investment, energy and industrial cooperation, and development cooperation. Deputy Prime Minister PRAK Sokhonn emphasized the importance of expedited implementation of signed agreements and memoranda of understanding (MoUs) to maximize their potential benefits for both countries.
On trade and investment, Deputy Prime Minister PRAK Sokhonn extended an invitation to Russian business leaders, entrepreneurs, and investors to explore the Cambodian market, particularly in sectors such as agriculture and food products. He suggested organizing joint business forums or expos as platforms for networking, matchmaking, and collaborative ventures.
In the energy and industrial cooperation domain, the Cambodian co-chair welcomed Russia’s intention to expand cooperation in these key areas. The Deputy Prime Minister underlined that the two countries could leverage existing partnerships to transform these sectors into engines of long-term shared prosperity.
Deputy Prime Minister PRAK Sokhonn also expressed appreciation for Russia’s support to Cambodia’s development journey and for scholarships offered to Cambodian students.
After exchanging views and discussions on a wide range of issues, the Session agreed on a course of actions to advance cooperation in key areas, including economy, trade, investment, energy and natural resources, industry, transport, ICT, finance and banking, education, culture and sports, healthcare, and environment.
The meeting concluded with the signing of the Agreed Minutes of the 11th Session of IGC, establishing a solid guideline for deepening and expanding Cambodia-Russia cooperation across various fields. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to fostering a dynamic, forward-looking relationship based on mutual trust, respect, and benefit.
Key Takeaways from the Session
- Deputy Prime Minister PRAK Sokhonn invited Russian business leaders, entrepreneurs, and investors to explore the Cambodian market in sectors such as agriculture and food products.
- The two countries agreed to leverage existing partnerships to transform energy and industrial cooperation into engines of long-term shared prosperity.
- Deputy Prime Minister PRAK Sokhonn expressed appreciation for Russia’s support to Cambodia’s development journey and for scholarships offered to Cambodian students.
The 11th Cambodia-Russia Intergovernmental Commission Session is a significant milestone in the strengthening of bilateral ties between the two countries. The session’s outcomes demonstrate Cambodia’s commitment to fostering a dynamic, forward-looking relationship with Russia based on mutual trust, respect, and benefit. As Cambodia continues to navigate its role in regional and international affairs, this cooperation is likely to have a positive impact on trade, investment, energy, and development in both countries.