Phnom Penh: Cambodia and Liechtenstein have signed a Framework Agreement on Development Cooperation, according to a press release from the Cambodian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MFAIC).

The agreement was formalized by Sok Chenda Sophea, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of MFAIC, and Dominique Hasler, the visiting Minister of Foreign Affairs, Education and Sports of Liechtenstein, during their productive discussions in Phnom Penh on February 29.

Reflecting on their initial meeting at the 78th UN General Assembly in New York in September 2023, both ministers highlighted the growing friendship and positive developments in bilateral relations. The Deputy Prime Minister expressed Cambodia's gratitude towards Liechtenstein for including Cambodia as one of its nine priority countries for bilateral cooperation. The conclusion of the Framework Agreement on Development Cooperation was particularly celebrated for its potential to further solidify friendship and deepen collaboration, especially in the area of human resources development.

Additionally, the establishment of a representative office for the Liechtenstein Development Service (LED) in Cambodia was welcomed by the Deputy Prime Minister. This move is expected to streamline the execution of ongoing projects within Cambodia.

The ministers also agreed to enhance cooperation in key areas such as education and vocational training, aligning with Cambodia's people-centered development strategy, the Pentagonal Strategy-Phase 1. Discussions also covered the potential for initiating Bilateral Consultations between the two nations' Foreign Ministries and exchanging views on regional and international matters of mutual interest.

Both parties reaffirmed their dedication to fostering the amicable and multifaceted relationship between Cambodia and Liechtenstein, emphasizing the mutual benefits for their peoples.

The visit of Minister Dominique Hasler to Cambodia, from February 29 to March 2, 2024, marks the first ministerial-level engagement from Liechtenstein with the Kingdom, setting a historic precedent in the diplomatic relations between the two countries.