In a statement released on 18 May 2024, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation announced that Prime Minister Samdech Thipadei HUN Manet had concluded a highly successful official visit to the Republic of Korea (ROK) from 15 to 18 May. During his five-day trip, Samdech Thipadei met with high-ranking officials, including President YOON Suk Yeol, Prime Minister HAN Duck-soo, and National Assembly Speaker KIM Jin-pyo.
The visit marked a significant milestone in Cambodia-RoK relations, as the two countries agreed to elevate their ties to a Strategic Partnership. This move is expected to strengthen cooperation in various areas, including politics, security, defense, trade, investment, finance, labor, tourism, culture, environment, and development cooperation.
During his meetings with Korean leaders, Samdech Thipadei expressed deep gratitude for the ROK’s invaluable assistance to Cambodia’s socio-economic development. He also emphasized the importance of enhancing people-to-people ties and strengthening the strategic partnership between the two countries for greater tangible mutual benefits. The ROK welcomed the establishment of a consultative mechanism between the Council for the Development of Cambodia (CDC) and the ROK Embassy in Cambodia to facilitate and promote Korean investment.
Samdech Thipadei’s visit also included meetings with dignitaries such as Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy AHN Duk-geun, President of the Korea-Cambodia Economic Cooperation Committee LEE Hee Beom, and President of the Korea Industry Alliance Forum MARN Ki-jeong. He addressed a Cambodia-Korea Business Forum attended by 300 delegates from around 200 companies, encouraging ROK investment in areas such as agriculture, food processing, and advanced manufacturing.
During his official visit, Samdech Thipadei received courtesy calls from eight leading Korean companies operating in or seeking investment opportunities in Cambodia. The Prime Minister also met with the Cambodian community, where he was warmly welcomed by 2,300 people. He reaffirmed the Royal Government’s commitment to address all challenges faced by Cambodians during their stay, study, and work in the ROK.
Thirteen documents were signed during the visit, including a loan from the Economic Development Cooperation Fund and agreements on rural road improvement, investment, intellectual property, narcotics control, and cross-border QR code payments. These agreements are expected to further strengthen Cambodia-RoK relations and promote economic cooperation between the two countries.
The successful visit has sent a positive signal for Cambodia-RoK relations, with both countries committing to enhance their strategic partnership. This development is expected to have significant implications for regional and international affairs, as well as ASEAN cooperation.
- The establishment of a Strategic Partnership between Cambodia and the Republic of Korea marks a significant milestone in bilateral relations.
- The two countries agreed to strengthen cooperation in areas such as politics, security, defense, trade, investment, finance, labor, tourism, culture, environment, and development cooperation.
- Samdech Thipadei’s visit has sent a positive signal for Cambodia-RoK relations, with both countries committing to enhance their strategic partnership.
In conclusion, Samdech Thipadei’s official visit to the Republic of Korea has taken a significant step forward in strengthening Cambodia-RoK relations. The establishment of a Strategic Partnership between the two countries is expected to have far-reaching implications for regional and international affairs, as well as ASEAN cooperation.