Phnom Penh (FN), Nov. 8 – Australian foreign minister and minister for women Marise Payne congratulated Cambodia’s ASEAN chairmanship in 2022 and pledged to assist Cambodia to successfully chair the ASEAN Summits.

Marise Payne paid a courtesy call on the premier Hun Sen on Monday at the Peace Palace, Phnom Penh.

According to the premier’s personal secretary Eang Sophalleth, Marise Payne praised the kingdom’s effective COVID19 control and the successful vaccination program, which leads to the reopening of schools and socio-economic activities.

She also praised Cambodia’s development progress, compared to her past visits in 2002 and 2005.

Marise Payne reaffirmed that Australia will provide 3,250,000 doses of COVID19 vaccines to Cambodia and 1 million doses will be handed over to Cambodia before the end of 2021.

In response, prime minister Hun Sen thanked Australia’s assistances to Cambodia, particularly in agriculture and education sectors.

Within the ASEAN framework, premier Hun Sen hoped that Australia will join ASEAN to fight against COVID19 pandemic.

Payne's official visit to Cambodia reaffirms Australia’s commitment to working more closely with the Kingdom to further enhance relations in both bilateral and multilateral frameworks for mutual benefits of the two countries.

In 2022, Cambodia and Australia will celebrate 70 years of diplomatic relations.
=FRESH NEWS