RIYADH: At the invitation of the King of Saudi Arabia, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet led a high-level delegation to the inaugural ASEAN-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Summit in Riyadh on October 20, 2023.

According to a press release from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Prime Minister Hun Manet emphasised the important role of trade and investment in fostering economic growth and sustainability. He highlighted the critical need to further support free and open trade, stimulate investment and create a conducive environment for promoting business in the two regions in line with the economic trends of the 21 century and in response to global uncertainties. He urged the GCC and ASEAN leaders to explore new sources of growth in key areas such as connectivity, digital economy, green energy transition, banking and finance, regional supply chains, and artificial intelligence.

In the face of food insecurity growing with climate change, he urged GCC members to explore the possibility of further agricultural investment in addition to exchanging technologies, research, and best practices, especially in developing the halal food industry.

The Cambodian PM also expressed concern and regret over the escalating violence in the Middle East, saying that GCC members are in a unique position to broker a peaceful solution to the violence, which has already taken the life of a Cambodian veterinary student. He emphasized the need to provide full access to humanitarian aid for the people of Gaza, half of which are children. He also called for the immediate release of Hamas hostages.

The leaders agreed to continue the conference on a bi-annual basis with the next one being held in Malaysia 2025.

The Prime Minister also met with Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Saudi Arabia’s king, to discuss building stronger ties between the two countries in trade, investment and energy. They agreed that a Saudi Embassy would be opened in Cambodia, complete with visa exemptions for diplomats and officials.