PHNOM PENH: The Foreign Ministers of Cambodia and Brunei have exchanged letters of congratulation on the 30th Anniversary of the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations Between Cambodia and Brunei, pledging to further strengthen cooperation.

On Monday, 6 June, the Foreign Minister of Brunei, Dato Erywan Pehin Yosof, sent a letter addressed to the Cambodian Minister of Foreign Affairs, DPM Prak Sokhonn, expressing his satisfaction over Brunei's relations with Cambodia, which has seen significant progress on the bilateral level, particularly in matters related to trade, education, technical assistance, culture, youth and sports. The Brunei Foreign Minister said he welcomes any further opportunities to enhance these important ties, including through the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Bilateral Consultations, on a mutually convenient date.

He wrote, "I am confident that our personal friendship and cooperation will continue to strengthen in the coming years, and wish you continued success in all your preparations as the ASEAN Chair for 2022 and Special Envoy of the ASEAN Chair on Myanmar. With my kindest regards and very best wishes to you and your family for continued good health, happiness and success.”

In response, Cambodian Foreign Minister, DPM Prak Sokhonn, sent a letter to the Bruneian side on Wednesday, 8 June, thanking the government and people of Brunei for their generous assistance and continued support to Cambodia. He reaffirmed his commitment to continue working closely with the Bruneian Foreign Minister to promote and strengthen relations and cooperation between the two countries in the years to come.

"I would like to extend my warmest congratulations and best wishes to Your Excellency and the people of Brunei Darussalam on the occasion of the 30th Anniversary of the Establishment of the Diplomatic Relations between the Kingdom of Cambodia and Brunei Darussalam," wrote the DPM. "Over the years, our existing good relations have been constantly cherished and enhanced at the bilateral, regional and multilateral level, particularly within the ASEAN frameworks."

Diplomatic relations between Cambodia and Brunei were first established on 9 June, 1992. The two countries mainly cooperate in the fields of trade (particularly rice imports), education, technical assistance, youth, sports and culture. Other potential areas of cooperation include defense, religion, health and tourism. The Sultan of Brunei last visited Cambodia in 2012 during Cambodia's prior Chairmanship of ASEAN.