In a statement released on 03 Jan 2025, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation announced that Deputy Prime Minister Prak Sokhonn met with Australian Ambassador Derek Yip in a courtesy call. The meeting marked an important step in strengthening bilateral relations between the two nations.
During the visit, His Excellency Deputy Prime Minister Prak Sokhonn expressed his appreciation for Australia’s significant contributions to Cambodia’s peace process and socio-economic development. He highlighted the growing trade and investment between the two countries, particularly in the areas of agriculture and education.
Prak Sokhonn reaffirmed Cambodia’s commitment to deepen cooperation with Australia, transforming from a “donor” to a “development partner”. The two officials also discussed enhanced people-to-people connections through educational exchanges, increased Australian Awards Scholarships, and community relations. They noted the successful convening of the fourth Senior Officials’ Talks (SOTs) between the two Foreign Ministries in April last year.
Both sides emphasized the importance of maintaining frequent high-level exchanges and engagements, such as during Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s visit to Cambodia for the ASEAN Summit in 2022, and Samdech Thipadei Prime Minister Hun Manet’s trip to Australia for the ASEAN-Australia Special Summit in March last year.
Deputy Prime Minister Prak Sokhonn thanked Australia for its continued Official Development Assistance to Cambodia, which has been pivotal in areas such as demining, agriculture, and education. He also touched upon security and defense cooperation, particularly in addressing transnational threats and regional developments under the ASEAN framework.
Key Takeaways:
- Australia’s continued Official Development Assistance to Cambodia has been instrumental in areas such as demining, agriculture, and education.
- Bilateral relations between Australia and Cambodia have strengthened, with a focus on trade, investment, and people-to-people connections.
- Both nations emphasize the importance of maintaining frequent high-level exchanges and engagements.
In conclusion, the meeting between Deputy Prime Minister Prak Sokhonn and Australian Ambassador Derek Yip highlights Cambodia’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations with Australia. As regional cooperation increases, this partnership is poised to play a vital role in addressing shared challenges and promoting peace and prosperity in Southeast Asia.