(Phnom Penh): Cambodia and the Republic of Korea are looking to chart a new direction for bilateral cooperation as the two countries prepare to mark the 30th anniversary of the restoration of diplomatic relations in 2027.

Speaking at the 2026 Cambodia-Korea Alumni Reunion on Wednesday (Sep. 2), Kim Chang-yong, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Cambodia, said bilateral relations have grown closer than ever, with cooperation expanding across a wide range of sectors.

He noted that Cambodia and Korea elevated their relations to a Strategic Partnership following Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet’s official visit to Korea in May 2024.

According to Ambassador Kim, cooperation now spans politics, economy, education, culture, labour, national defence, and development, reflecting the growing breadth and depth of the partnership.

Looking ahead to 2027, the ambassador said the 30th anniversary should serve not only as an occasion to reflect on achievements over the past three decades, but also as an opportunity for both countries to jointly shape the direction of cooperation for the next 30 years.

Ambassador Kim also underscored the importance of people-to-people ties in sustaining the partnership, encouraging Cambodian alumni, scholars, trainees, and fellows with experience in Korea to promote greater mutual understanding and contribute to stronger bilateral relations.

Speaking at the same gathering, Cambodian Minister of Education Hang Chuon Naron highlighted Korea's long-standing role as one of Cambodia's strategic development partners.

The minister said the alumni reunion reflected close cooperation between the two countries in education, training, and human resource development, areas that have played an important role in strengthening bilateral ties.

He underlined that Cambodia-Korea relations have been reinforced not only through government-to-government cooperation, but also through educational exchanges, professional networks, and growing people-to-people connection

As the two countries approach the 30th anniversary milestone, these expanding channels of cooperation are expected to provide a strong foundation for further advancing the Cambodia-Korea Strategic Partnership.

The 2026 Cambodia-Korea Alumni Reunion, the second gathering of its kind following the inaugural reunion in 2025, brought together Cambodian graduates and participants from several South Korean scholarship and training programmes, from multiple professions, positions and institutional affiliations.
=FRESH NEWS