(Phnom Penh): Deputy Prime Minister Vongsey Vissoth, Minister in Charge of the Office of the Council of Ministers, welcomed Steven Pang Chee Wee, the newly appointed Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Singapore to Cambodia, for a courtesy call at the Office of the Council of Ministers in Phnom Penh on Tuesday morning (Jun. 4).

Minister Vongsey Vissoth extended a warm welcome to Ambassador Pang and congratulated him on his recent appointment. He emphasised the enduring and close relationship between Cambodia and Singapore, highlighting the successful cooperation across various sectors over the years.

The deputy prime minister acknowledged the differing stages of development between Cambodia and Singapore, while noting their shared values as small nations. He highlighted the reliance on principles such as peace, multilateralism, and adherence to international law to ensure the survival and development of both countries amid global uncertainties.

In this regard, he underscored the significance of ASEAN as a strategic framework for member states, including both nations, to safeguard and advance their mutual interests.

Additionally, Deputy Prime Minister Vongsey Vissoth provided insights into the Royal Government's Pentagonal Strategy – Phase I, led by Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet. This strategy prioritises institutional reform and modernisation within the public administration system, alongside comprehensive reforms in law, justice, and public finance, to enhance resilience, competitiveness, and the capacity to address future challenges.

He also addressed the Royal Government of Cambodia's commitment to countering online scams, designating the issue as a key priority for maintaining security, social order, and the overall investment climate, which is vital for the country's reputation.

The deputy prime minister noted that Singapore ranks as Cambodia's third-largest trading partner and third-largest foreign investor. He expressed optimism about the considerable potential to further strengthen and expand bilateral cooperation, particularly in trade and investment.

During the meeting, both sides discussed strategies to promote the export of Cambodian food products and agricultural commodities, with particular emphasis on high-quality fruits, such as durian and mangoes, to the Singaporean market. Both parties also explored avenues to attract investment into agricultural value chains and agro-industrial sectors.

Furthermore, dialogue ensued on enhancing cooperation in the energy sector within the ASEAN Power Grid (APG) framework, advancing digital connectivity and submarine cable infrastructure, and collaborating to combat cyber-enabled fraud.

Both sides exchanged perspectives on human resource development through training, capacity building, and the sharing of best practices in governance and public administration, with a specific focus on strengthening accountability and merit-based principles in the public sector.

In response, Ambassador Steven Pang Chee Wee expressed sincere appreciation for Cambodia's progress and the Royal Government's vision for modernisation under the Pentagonal Strategy – Phase I.

The ambassador reaffirmed Singapore's commitment to advancing trade and investment and to strengthening cooperation with Cambodia, particularly by creating opportunities for Cambodian workers to enhance their skills in Singapore. He also pledged ongoing support for the development of Cambodia's human resources through capacity-building initiatives for civil servants.

Before concluding the meeting, Deputy Prime Minister Vongsey Vissoth wished the ambassador every success in his diplomatic mission in Cambodia, conveying his confidence in the ambassador's ability to further the friendship and cooperation between the two nations.
=FRESH NEWS