Ankara (FN), Dec. 13 – Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen and Numan Kurtulmuş, President of the Turkish Grand National Assembly, held a cordial discussion and shared many common views on both bilateral and global issues. Regarding bilateral matters, both sides agreed to further promote trade relations. On global issues, both leaders agreed not to support unilateral sanctions.
Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen held a retreat meeting with Numan Kurtulmuş on Thursday (12 Dec) in Ankara, Türkiye.
The president of the Turkish Grand National Assembly expressed his pleasure and extended a warm welcome to Samdech Techo and his delegation during their visit to Türkiye. He described Samdech Techo as the most significant political figure and the founder of modern Cambodia. He also stated that Samdech Techo’s visit was especially meaningful as Cambodia and Türkiye celebrate the 65th anniversary of their diplomatic relations.
Numan Kurtulmuş noted that the world is entering a new era characterised by rapid changes and shifting balances. In this context, Türkiye attaches special importance to Asia, including Cambodia. At the same time, he reaffirmed Türkiye's commitment to building new bridges of cooperation with Cambodia. Türkiye has opened a cultural centre in Phnom Penh and, in collaboration with the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA), has signed an education and training agreement. Currently, 25 Cambodian students are studying in Türkiye, and it is anticipated that this number will grow in the future.
He added that while Cambodia has significant potential in trade, the trade volume between the two countries reached approximately USD 350 million in 2024, falling short of the target of USD 1 billion. He added that Samdech Techo’s visit plays a vital role in fostering bilateral and multilateral inter-parliamentary relations, including with the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA).
For his part, Samdech Techo Hun Sen expressed gratitude to Numan Kurtulmuş for the warm invitation and hospitality, as well as for the comprehensive discussions on Cambodia-Türkiye relations. He highlighted that his visit marks the 65th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two nations, following the establishment of embassies in each other’s capitals.
Samdech Techo thanked Numan Kurtulmuş for his high praise of his leadership. As the new President of the Senate, he pledged to continue working to ensure Cambodia’s long-term peace and stability.
He also thanked Türkiye for sending the Deputy Chairman of the Turkish Justice and Development Party (AKP) in charge for Foreign Affairs to participate in the 12th General Assembly of the ICAPP in Phnom Penh last November.
Samdech Techo emphasised his role in advancing bilateral relations with Türkiye. He recalled his working visit to Türkiye in 2018, during which he and President Erdoğan set a target of achieving USD 1 billion in mutual trade.
Acknowledging that this target has not yet been met, he expressed confidence that his visit and the joint efforts of both nations’ leaders would help achieve this goal by prioritising economic, trade, and investment opportunities.
Both sides also exchanged views and analyses on regional and international issues. Both leaders underscored the importance of respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of nations worldwide.
Samdech Techo praised Türkiye’s critical role as a mediator in international affairs, emphasising that “war cannot end war; only dialogue and negotiation can achieve peace.” Both sides reaffirmed their stance against unilateral sanctions.
The president of the Turkish Grand National Assembly highly appreciated Samdech Techo's remarks and graciously accepted his invitation to visit Cambodia, expressing his intention to find a suitable time for the visit.
It is noteworthy that after the meeting, the president of the Turkish Grand National Assembly invited Samdech Techo and his delegation to attend a plenary session of the Turkish National Assembly, where Turkish parliamentarians warmly welcomed the Samdech Techo with a standing ovation.
=FRESH NEWS
