PHNOM PENH: Prime Minister Hun Manet said that the relationship between the United Kingdom and Cambodia will remain the same under his administration while meeting with British Ambassador Dominic Williams on October 4.

The PM expressed the hope that Cambodia-UK cooperation will continue to flourish in all fields, especially in the field of trade, which will allow Cambodia to expand its export market as it branches into new product production.

As for the defense industry, the PM expects close cooperation in training, joint exercises and naval access. He highlighted Cambodia's support for the green economy and renewable energy, and looks forward to cooperation between the two countries in those areas in the future.

He also thanked the British government for launching the Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS) earlier this year following its separation from the European Union, which lifted some of its Everything But Arms trade preferences to Cambodia in 2020 citing human rights concerns. The DCTS reduced tariffs, eased rules of origin requirements and simplified export conditions for Cambodian products to the UK. The PM asked that the UK examine the possibility of importing agricultural products from Cambodia in addition to textiles and footwear.

The British ambassador lauded the 70th anniversary of Cambodian-British diplomatic ties and the development of their relations in all fields. He noted that as of 2023, there are three British schools operating in Cambodia, one of which is a university. He also confirmed that the British Government is committed to helping demine Cambodia until 2025.

Ambassador Williams also requested a review of cooperation with Cambodia in the green economy and renewable energy, saying he hoped to further develop relations in all areas, including politics. He celebrated the Khmer Rouge Tribunal, which he praised as leading to Cambodia’s current state of progress.