PHNOM PENH: The newly-appointed Australian Ambassador to Cambodia, Justin Kevin Whyatt, has said that he will continue to strengthen and deepen the friendship and cooperation between Cambodia and Australia, contributing to the development of all sectors in the Kingdom.

He made this remark during a meeting with the Minister of Economy and Finance, DPM Aun Pornmoniroth, to discuss work within the framework of Cambodia-Australia bilateral cooperation financing, on Thursday, 9 March 2023.

The new Australian Ambassador said he will continue to support the development of Cambodia and promote good cooperation between Cambodia and Australia through the CAP RED Program, which was launched on the 17 September 2022, demonstrating the Australian Government's continued commitment to supporting development in Cambodia.

Ambassador Whyatt praised the achievements made by the Cambodian government. In particular, he noted the development made in all areas of macroeconomic management, the successful fight against Covid-19, and the successful implementation of social protection programs, despite difficult times brought on by the pandemic and in the aftermath of the Russia-Ukraine war.

DPM Aun Porn Moniroth also recalled the achievements made through the friendship and cooperation between Cambodia and Australia, yielding satisfactory results in the framework of co-financing. He noted that sectoral cooperation between states and bilateral trade between the two countries is constantly being strengthened and expanded as well.

He also mentioned the approximately US $65 million grant under the Cambodia-Australia Partnership for Sustainable Economic Development (CAP RED) Program.

Bilateral trade between Cambodia and Australia has steadily increased from US $205 million in 2019 to US $523 million in 2022.