Phnom Penh (FN), Aug. 9 – Singapore Embassy in Phnom Penh commemorated Singapore’s 59th National Day with a reception attended by over 300 distinguished guests on 8 August 2024. The event was attended by ministers, members of the diplomatic corps, senior government officials, and leaders from the business community. The Guest of Honour was Minister of Mines and Energy Keo Rottanak.
In her address, Ambassador Teo Lay Cheng reflected on Singapore’s journey over the past 59 years. She said, “Our unwavering unity has been our greatest strength. It is this shared resolve that has empowered us to overcome challenges, thrive amidst uncertainty, and flourish as a nation.”
Ambassador Teo also underscored the deep and long-standing ties between Singapore and Cambodia. Singapore is one of Cambodia’s largest foreign investors and trading partners. The successful visit of Prime Minister Hun Manet to Singapore in June 2024 saw collaborations in areas such as digital government and financial services. The ambassador added that both nations are also exploring new frontiers, including cross-border electricity trade and carbon credits collaboration.
Ambassador Teo also spoke about the importance of exchanges to build bonds and foster mutual understanding. She said that since 1992, over 18,000 Cambodian officials have participated in courses under the Singapore Cooperation Programme. More than half received training at the Cambodia-Singapore Cooperation Centre in Phnom Penh. This year, Singapore welcomed its first Cambodian SR Nathan Fellow, Minister of Labour and Vocational Training Heng Sour.
Minister Keo Rottanak praised Singapore’s transformation from modest beginnings into a global hub of innovation, commerce, and cultural diversity. He remarked that Singapore’s journey is a testament to the vision, resilience, and industrious spirit of its people. The Minister also said that Singapore’s achievements and social harmony serve as an inspiring model for countries around the world.
Reflecting on the historical milestones of bilateral relations, Minister Rottanak recalled the visit of the Late King Father Norodom Sihanouk to Singapore in 1962, and Cambodia’s early recognition of Singapore’s independence in 1965. He said that these events laid the foundation for a close and friendly relationship, reinforced by the visit of Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew to Cambodia in 1967. The partnership was also strengthened by frequent high-level visits, most recently, by Prime Minister Hun Manet to Singapore.
The minister highlighted the growth of bilateral ties across various sectors, including trade, investment, education, defense, tourism, and cultural exchange. He noted that Singapore was one of the early believers in Cambodia’s potential and is now one of the country’s top investors, ranking first in ASEAN.
Minister Rottanak also spoke on the expansion of economic cooperation into emerging areas such as renewable energy and carbon credits. He remarked, “The Laos-Cambodia-Singapore project for cross-border electricity trade is a pivotal part of our energy transition. It also plays a key role in our goal for an integrated ASEAN Power Grid, which will achieve energy security and a low-carbon future.” The minister added that Singapore and Cambodia are well aligned on collaborative efforts to push the momentum around the ASEAN Power Grid and bring the subsea cable project to life. Both countries are committed to tackling climate change and reducing ASEAN's environmental impact.
The minister expressed appreciation for Singapore’s consistent support in capacity building and highlighted the recent MOU on cooperation in digital government, signed during PM Hun Manet’s visit.
He was also pleased to note the increase of direct flights to 28 per week and the growing number of travellers between Cambodia and Singapore. In the first half of 2024, Cambodia welcomed over 20,000 Singaporeans.
Minister Rottanak and Ambassador Teo affirmed that both countries are committed to working closely to further ties and look forward to celebrating the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations next year.
=FRESH NEWS
Ambassador Teo Lay Cheng and Guest of Honour Minister of Mines and Energy Keo Rottanak at the Reception.
The Singapore Embassy welcomed distinguished guests to its Reception.
