PHNOM PENH: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is busy this week solidifying relationships between Cambodia’s new administration and the country’s foreign partners. On October 31, Ministry officials met with representatives from the United Kingdom and China to discuss relations on education, trade, demining and more.

On Tuesday, Foreign Affairs Minister Sok Chenda Sophea met with Chinese Ambassador Wang Vinthean to celebrate 2024 as the "Year of People-to-People Exchanges" between the two countries. The agreement aims to boost tourism between China and Cambodia and strengthen diplomatic ties. The two dignitaries agreed to effectively implement the consensus met by the two countries’ heads of government which include the “Diamond Cooperation” and establishing the “Industrial Development Corridor” along with the “Fish and Rice Corridor” to increase trade. Both sides expressed satisfaction with the meetings held between Prime Minister Hun Manet and Chinese President Xi Jinping, followed by Chinese Prime Minister Li Qiang over the last two months.

That same day, Secretary of State Chem Widhya met with British Ambassador Dominic Williams where the two agreed to work together to further strengthen and expand cooperation in areas with high potential. They also pledged to promote more exchanges of visits and continue regular consultations and dialogue between the two countries.

The leaders signed a Memorandum of Understanding to establish bilateral political consultation between the two Ministries of Foreign Affairs.

Secretary Chem Widhya thanked the United Kingdom for its past contributions to Cambodia’s socio-economic development, especially in the areas of education, health, the Khmer Rouge Tribunal and demining activities.

He also briefed the ambassador on the current economic development and political situation in Cambodia, including the 2023 general election and the new administration’s economic Pentagon Strategy that aims to make Cambodia a high-middle-income country by 2030.

Ambassador Williams praised Cambodia's remarkable progress and achievements and reaffirmed the UK’s strong commitment strengthening cooperation between the two countries.

The delegates also exchanged views on a number of regional and global issues of common concern and agreed that the second bilateral consultation will be held in London next year.