PHNOM PENH: The first round of Bilateral Consultations between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Kingdom of Cambodia and the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland took place on October 31, 2023, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. It was co-chaired by Dr. CHEM Widhya, Secretary of State, and Dominic Williams MBE, Ambassador of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland to the Kingdom of Cambodia.
At the beginning of the meeting, both heads of delegations signed the Memorandum of Understanding on the Establishment of Bilateral Political Consultations between the two foreign ministries.
Dr. CHEM Widhya expressed his deep appreciation to the United Kingdom for its invaluable assistance to Cambodia over the years. This assistance has significantly contributed to Cambodia's socio-economic development, especially in the areas of education, health, the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia (ECCC), and demining activities. Secretary of State Dr. CHEM also provided Ambassador Dominic Williams with updates on the latest political situation and economic development in Cambodia, including the Cambodia General Election 2023, the Six Priorities Programme, and the Pentagonal Strategy of the new Royal Government of Cambodia.
In response, Ambassador Dominic Williams applauded Cambodia's remarkable progress and achievements. He reiterated the United Kingdom's strong commitment to enhancing cooperation at both bilateral and multilateral levels between the two countries.
Both parties agreed to work closely together to further strengthen and expand new potential areas for future cooperation. They committed to increasing the exchange of visits and continuing regular consultations and dialogue between the two countries. The heads of the delegations also exchanged views on several regional and global issues of common concern. They agreed that the Bilateral Political Consultations mechanism is essential to promote cooperation between the two countries. They eagerly anticipate the Second Session of the Bilateral Consultations, scheduled to be held in London next year.
