(Phnom Penh): Cambodian Senate President, Samdech Techo Hun Sen received a courtesy call by Bangladeshi Ambassador to Cambodia Faiyaz Murshid Kazi on Thursday (Jun. 19) at the Senate.
During the meeting, the ambassador sought Cambodia's support for Bangladesh’s aspiration to become an ASEAN partner.
According to Senate Spokesperson Chea Thyrith, Samdech Techo warmly welcomed the Bangladeshi Ambassador, expressing optimism that the envoy’s visit would further strengthen Cambodia–Bangladesh relations.
Ambassador Kazi expressed gratitude to Samdech Techo for allowing him to pay a courtesy call on. He raised two key points for which he sought support from Samdech Techo and the Cambodian side:
First, strengthening trade and investment. He proposed enhancing trade and investment between Cambodia and Bangladesh, pointing to Cambodia’s rapid economic development since 2014 and its growing potential as an emerging economy.
Second, ASEAN Partnership. He requested Cambodia’s support for Bangladesh to become an ASEAN partner, emphasising Bangladesh’s interest in contributing to ASEAN cooperation in areas it is capable of engaging in. He particularly noted the relevance of Bangladesh's proximity to Myanmar, which could offer constructive dialogue and assistance regarding regional issues such as the Myanmar crisis.
In response, Samdech Techo Hun Sen expressed support for Bangladesh’s interest in forging an ASEAN partnership through cross-sectoral cooperation. He emphasised that such engagement would strengthen Bangladesh’s ties with ASEAN, particularly in economic and trade frameworks, and in addressing challenges like the Myanmar issue, where Bangladesh has a direct regional stake.
Samdech Techo also supported efforts to boost Cambodia–Bangladesh trade and investment, stating that economic, trade and investment cooperation form the backbone of bilateral relations.
He further advised Bangladesh to consider joining the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), highlighting that the agreement is currently open to expanding its membership. He noted that, given Bangladesh’s proximity to Southeast Asia, RCEP membership would provide an excellent opportunity to deepen regional integration.
Ambassador Kazi welcomed the recommendation and pledged to relay it to his government, affirming that Bangladesh would consider pursuing RCEP membership.
He also expressed appreciation to the Cambodian government for its continued care and attention towards Bangladeshi nationals living in Cambodia.
On that occasion, Samdech Techo requested Bangladesh’s reciprocal support for Cambodia’s position on the recent Cambodia–Thailand border issue. He outlined the current situation and called for Bangladesh’s backing for Cambodia’s peaceful approach, which involves referring the matter to international legal mechanisms, namely the International Court of Justice (ICJ).
The ambassador praised Samdech Techo’s leadership, describing him as an exemplary and respected statesman on the world stage. He stated that Samdech Techo embodies the type of leadership the world needs, and expressed hope for the continued advancement of Cambodia–Bangladesh relations.
=FRESH NEWS
