(Phnom Penh): Cambodia underscored the importance of human capital development, education, and sustainable growth as key drivers of ASEAN’s long-term prosperity during meetings with ASEAN’s dialogue partners, according to a press release on the outcomes of the meetings seen by Fresh News on Friday (Jul. 24).

Cambodia also called for closer cooperation in renewable energy, energy connectivity, climate resilience, sustainable agriculture, technical and vocational education and training (TVET), research, tourism, cultural exchanges, and people-to-people connectivity.

During the session with Australia, Cambodian Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn expressed appreciation for Australia’s continued investment in human capital, including through the Aus4ASEAN Scholarships and the New Colombo Plan, and looked forward to deepening cooperation in skills development and future-oriented sectors while strengthening enduring people-to-people ties.

In discussions with Japan, Cambodia highlighted the importance of investing in education, TVET, science and technology, and human resource development to prepare future generations for emerging industries.

Meeting with New Zealand, Cambodia encouraged practical cooperation in the digital economy, renewable energy, climate resilience, sustainable agriculture, and food security. Cambodia also welcomed the launch of the ASEAN-New Zealand Dialogue Relations Fellowship Programme as a valuable addition to the existing flagship initiatives supporting human capital development and people-to-people connectivity.

Recognising the European Union (EU) as a key partner in ASEAN’s green transition, Cambodia also encouraged closer cooperation with the EU on regional energy market integration, sustainable finance, and advanced technologies, including the Copernicus Earth Observation Programme.
=FRESH NEWS