Phnom Penh (FN), Jan. 3 – Cambodian Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn received a courtesy call by Australian Ambassador to Cambodia Derek Yip on 2 January 2025.

The foreign minister recalled with appreciation Australia's significant contributions to Cambodia's peace process and socio-economic development. He noted with optimism the growing trade and investment between the two countries, and the increasing support in Australia for Cambodia's agricultural products, such as rice and fish. He reaffirmed Cambodia's commitment to further deepen cooperation between the two nations, which has now transformed from “donor” to “development partner”, according to the outcomes seen by Fresh News on Friday (Jan. 3).

"Both sides were pleased with the enhanced people-to-people connections through educational exchanges, increased Australian Awards Scholarships and community relations. They noted with satisfaction the successful convening of the fourth Senior Officials Talks (SOTs) between the two Foreign Ministries last April in Phnom Penh. Both sides emphasised the importance of maintaining frequent high-level exchanges and engagements, such as during Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's visit to Cambodia for the ASEAN Summit in 2022, and Samdech Thipadei Prime Minister Hun Manet's trip to Australia for the ASEAN-Australia Special Summit in March last year.

Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn thanked Australia for its continued Official Development Assistance to Cambodia, which has been pivotal in areas such as demining, agriculture, and education. He and Ambassador Yip also discussed cooperation on security and defence, especially in tackling transnational crime. They also touched on regional and international developments and on further strengthening cooperation under the ASEAN framework."
=FRESH NEWS