Melbourne, Australia: Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong met on March 5, 2024, on the sidelines of the ASEAN-Australia Special Summit in Melbourne. The leaders discussed expanding collaboration across six key areas: politics, trade and economy, tourism, security, energy security, and defense.
The leaders engaged in comprehensive discussions on boosting cooperation and exchanges across various domains. They highlighted the significance of bolstering political dialogue, with an agreement to organize a second round of political consultations between Cambodia and Singapore in the near future, signaling a robust partnership.
In terms of trade and economic relations, both prime ministers concurred on the need for stronger collaboration. They advocated for the promotion of ties between their respective ministries and institutions, aiming to develop specific initiatives and action plans to further economic cooperation.
Defense and security cooperation was also on the agenda, with a mutual agreement to enhance efforts in combating cybercrime and online gambling among other legal challenges, reflecting a shared concern for regional security and law enforcement.
A groundbreaking discussion on energy security saw Cambodia's prime minister sharing the recent agreement with Malaysia to support the connection of a submarine power grid from Laos to Singapore via Cambodia, a strategic initiative that promises to bolster energy connectivity and sustainability in the region.
Tourism cooperation received special attention, with Cambodia introducing its 'Visit Siem Reap 2024' program, the inauguration of the Siem Reap Angkor International Airport, and mechanisms to promote tourism with private sector involvement. Both leaders expressed the desire to diversify and enrich tourism offerings, facilitate direct flights, and strengthen private sector relationships to unlock new tourism potentials between the two nations.
This meeting marks a significant step towards reinforcing the Cambodia-Singapore partnership, with both countries committed to exploring new avenues of cooperation for the benefit of their people and the wider region.
