PHNOM PENH: Prime Minister Hun Sen has encouraged the Pakistani Ambassador to Cambodia, Zaheeruddin Babar Thaheem, to further explore the potential between Cambodia and Pakistan on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of the two countries' relations. He urged the Pakistani Ambassador to increase economic and trade cooperation, which is important for the two countries to complement one another.

While meeting with Pakistani Ambassador, Zaheeruddin Babar Thaheem, at the Peace Palace on Tuesday morning (22 March), Prime Minister Hun Sen reflected on the relationship between Cambodia and Pakistan and the past 70 years of bilateral relations. He urged for the two countries to increase cooperation, especially to complement one another in the existing sectors of economy and trade.

The Prime Minister’s assistant, Eang Sophalleth, told reporters after the meeting, "During this occasion, Prime Minister Hun Sen also thanked the Government of Pakistan for providing scholarships to Cambodian students, and asked the Government of Pakistan to continue supporting Cambodia.”

Ambassador Zaheeruddin Babar Thaheem also confirmed to Prime Minister Hun Sen that Pakistan considers Cambodia as one of its important partners. He stated that he will continue the existing activities with Cambodia and do everything he can to promote relations in all fields, in order to expand this long-term relationship.

According to OEC World, the trade volume between Cambodia and Pakistan in 2019 was more than US $48 million, of which Cambodia exported only about US $1.2 million to Pakistan.

Diplomatic relations between Cambodia and Pakistan began on 28 May 1952 and have lasted for 70 years. Pakistan has its embassy in Phnom Penh, while Cambodia has an honorary consulate in Lahore, Pakistan.