In a significant development for Cambodia’s foreign policy, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation SOK Chenda Sophea received a courtesy call from His Excellency Chang Ho-jin, the first Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea, during the latter’s working visit to the Kingdom of Cambodia on October 31, 2023.
The meeting marked a new chapter in the bilateral relations between the two countries, with both sides expressing deep satisfaction over the successful conclusion of the 5th Cambodia-Republic of Korea Joint Commission Meeting earlier that day. The commission meeting aimed to chart a new course of action to further enhance and deepen the wide-ranging cooperation of mutual benefits.
At the heart of their discussions were the potential benefits of the Cambodia-Korea Free Trade Agreement, the Agreement on Double Taxation Avoidance, Cambodia’s Law on Investment, and the annual Government-Private Sector Forum. Deputy Prime Minister SOK Chenda Sophea highlighted these agreements as key drivers to significantly bolster the bilateral trade and investment.
The Republic of Korea has emerged as one of the largest development cooperation partners of Cambodia this year, with their engagement focusing on measures to elevate the bilateral relationship to a new height, expedite the implementation of the Cambodia-Republic of Korea Friendship Bridge project, and encourage additional Korean companies to invest in Cambodia, particularly in agriculture, food processing, and manufacturing sectors. Both sides also emphasized the importance of frequent high-level exchanges of visits, which will send an encouraging signal to the private sector.
The two nations exchanged views on regional and international issues of common interest, including those related to the Korean peninsula. Their discussions underscored the significance of strengthening cooperation in areas such as trade, investment, and people-to-people exchange.
In a decade-long tenure in Phnom Penh, Vice Minister Chang Ho-jin has witnessed Cambodia’s rapid transformation. The growing number of high-rise buildings and robust domestic growth reflect the country’s progress under the leadership of Prime Minister Hun Sen.
The visit by Deputy Prime Minister SOK Chenda Sophea and Vice Minister Chang Ho-jin marked a significant milestone in the strengthening of bilateral ties between Cambodia and South Korea, with both countries committed to fostering a deeper partnership based on mutual trust, respect, and cooperation.
Conclusion
The visit highlights the significance of strengthening diplomatic relations between Cambodia and South Korea, with a focus on trade, investment, and people-to-people exchange. The two countries have pledged to work together to promote their bilateral ties to new heights, underscoring the potential for increased cooperation in various sectors, including agriculture, food processing, manufacturing, and high-value-added activities based on advanced technology.