(Phnom Penh): Cambodian President of the National Assembly Khuon Sudary received a courtesy call by Governor of South Australia Frances Adamson on Monday (May 19) at the National Assembly.
Khuon Sudary underlined that the governor’s visit demonstrated a strong commitment to further strengthening and expanding bilateral relations and international cooperation, particularly in the education sector between Cambodia and Australia. She highlighted that such ties should become more solid, closer, and more in-depth, with innovative forms of collaboration. Cambodia and Australia have maintained strong diplomatic relations since 1952.
President Khuon Sudary expressed her appreciation to Australia for its significant contribution to peace and development in Cambodia, especially recognising the role of General John Sanderson, who served as Force Commander of the United Nations Transitional Authority in Cambodia (UNTAC).
The president underscored, “Since 1994, approximately 1,000 Cambodian students have received official scholarships from Australia, while around 10,000 others have pursued private studies in the country. Australia is well known for its advanced education system, and Cambodian people have a strong aspiration to study there. Continued investment in Cambodia’s education sector by Australia will always be warmly welcomed.”
Khuon Sudary also shared that she had once been selected for an Australian scholarship. However, due to the rise of the Khmer Rouge regime in 1975, she was unable to pursue her studies.
On this occasion, President Khuon Sudary formally requested, through the governor, that the Australian Government continue to offer scholarships to Cambodian students, with special consideration for opportunities in the state of South Australia.
For her part, Governor Frances Adamson expressed sincere appreciation to the National Assembly president for taking the time to meet and discuss key areas of mutual interest. She affirmed the close ties between Cambodia and Australia, both at the leadership level and among their people.
“Australian citizens are very familiar with Samdech Techo Hun Sen and Prime Minister Hun Manet. Last year, Samdech Techo Hun Sen paid an official visit to Australia, which further strengthened our bilateral relations,” she remarked.
The two sides also engaged in a friendly and open discussion on cooperation across various sectors, both legislative and executive, including diplomacy, investment, trade, tourism, gender equality, and particularly education and technology.
President Khuon Sudary also commented on the rapidly evolving regional and global context, marked by growing uncertainty, complexity, and fragility due to intensifying geopolitical competition. She underlined that cooperation between governments and parliaments plays a vital role in reducing tensions, preventing conflict, and promoting confidence-building measures and enduring friendships based on mutual trust and respect.
=FRESH NEWS
