In a significant development for Cambodian foreign policy, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation announced on 25 Nov 2023 that His Excellency Dr. CHEM Widhya, Secretary of State, co-chaired the First Bilateral Consultations with his Dutch counterpart, Wouter Jurgens, Director-General of Asia and Oceania.
The meeting, held in The Hague, Kingdom of the Netherlands, brought together the two dignitaries to discuss various topics of mutual interest, including bilateral relations, regional cooperation, and development assistance. Both parties engaged in a thorough discussion on ways to enhance cooperation in multiple fields, with a focus on boosting trade, ensuring sustainable development, and strengthening people-to-people connectivity.
The Cambodian delegation expressed its appreciation for the Netherlands’ long-standing development assistance, particularly in the areas of health, demining, and training for Cambodian diplomats. The ASEAN-Netherlands Development Partnership was also highlighted as a key area of cooperation, which aims to foster more practical collaboration between ASEAN member states and the Netherlands.
The two co-chairs concluded the meeting by expressing their satisfaction with the effectiveness of their first bilateral consultation, which they recognized as an essential mechanism for identifying new areas of cooperation. They looked forward to convening the Second Bilateral Consultations in Phnom Penh, further solidifying Cambodia’s engagement with the international community.
Key Highlights:
- First Bilateral Consultations between Cambodia and the Netherlands held in The Hague
- Discussions focused on bilateral ties, regional cooperation, and development assistance
- Cambodia appreciates the Netherlands’ long-standing development assistance, particularly in health and demining
- ASEAN-Netherlands Development Partnership highlighted as a key area of cooperation
- Both countries commit to convening the Second Bilateral Consultations in Phnom Penh
The First Bilateral Consultations between Cambodia and the Netherlands represent an important step towards strengthening bilateral relations and fostering greater international cooperation. As a key player in regional affairs, Cambodia is likely to continue engaging with its international partners to promote sustainable development, trade, and people-to-people connectivity.