PHNOM PENH: The Cambodian Minister of Foreign Affairs, DPM Prak Sokhonn, sent a letter of congratulations to the Indian Minister for External Affairs, Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, and the people of India, on the special occasion of the 70th Anniversary of the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations between the Kingdom of Cambodia and the Republic of India, which took place on 30 May 2022.

The letter sent by DPM Prak Sokhonn, dated, 27 May 2022, states, “Seventy years have gone by very fast and the bonds of friendship and mutual trust between our two countries continued to deepen. Over time, we have forged closer relationship as attested by our close multi-sectoral cooperation, our frequent political exchanges as well as our people-to-people connectivity. These are indeed encouraging developments which have yielded fruitful and tangible benefits for the people of our two countries.”

DPM Prak Sokhonn wrote that this historic anniversary event would provide Cambodia and India great opportunity to reflect on past achievements as well as explore other areas of cooperation of mutual trust for both countries and peoples. He further added that Cambodia, as the 2022 ASEAN Chair, would seek to work with India in areas that will further deepen cooperation with ASEAN as well as on activities conducive to bringing peace, security, stability and sustainable development in the region.

The Indian Minister for External Affairs, Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, also sent a letter directed to DPM Prak Sokhonn, dated 30 May 2022, stating that he extends his warmest wishes to the DPM, the Royal Government and the people of Cambodia, on the 70th Anniversary of the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations between India and Cambodia, on behalf of the Government and people of the Republic of India.

“Our ties have been developing with cooperation cutting across all levels and sectors,” wrote Dr. Jaishankar. “Together, we have also worked to enhance our physical, institutional and people-to-people connectivity. Our collaboration in diverse fields has made a difference in improving the lives of so many people.”

He further added that this year will provide India and Cambodia the opportunity to continue building their relationship, as well as an opportunity for India to offer support to Cambodia during its ASEAN Chairmanship.

Cambodia and India first established diplomatic relations on 30 May, 1956.