Phnom Penh, March 15, 2024 – During a courtesy call with Prime Minister Hun Manet at the Peace Palace on the afternoon of March 14, 2024, Mr. Chang Won Sam, President of the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), affirmed the organization’s dedication to continuing its developmental cooperation and partnership with the Royal Government of Cambodia.
In the meeting, Mr. Chang Won Sam expressed recognition of the Korean Government's understanding of the implementation of the Pentagon Strategy - Phase 1 by Cambodia and assured that KOICA is primed to work in tandem with the Royal Government. He reiterated KOICA's commitment to enhancing the key partnerships established, continuing the flow of Official Development Assistance (ODA) to Cambodia, and aligning their development programs with Cambodia’s strategic plans to support the country's objectives and aspirations.
Moreover, Mr. Chang Won Sam conveyed ongoing support for Cambodia’s demining initiatives and applauded Cambodia for being the upcoming host of the Convention on the Prohibition of Anti-Personnel Mines (Ottawa Convention).
Reflecting on his journey, the KOICA Korea President remarked that his visit to Cambodia—the first Asian country he has visited since taking office in 2023, and a nation he first visited in 2006—allowed him to witness the substantial progress and changes across all sectors. He expressed confidence in Cambodia's continued development under PM Hun Manet's leadership.
In response, PM Hun Manet extended a warm welcome to Mr. Chang Won Sam and lauded the strong bilateral relations and cooperative endeavors between Cambodia and the Republic of Korea. He highlighted KOICA's significant contribution to Cambodia’s development, especially in the realms of economy, trade, and investment, which has been instrumental in the socio-economic advancement of the country.
The Prime Minister emphasized that the current Royal Government's policies are firmly rooted in unity and sustainability, continuing the legacy of its predecessors to achieve the vision of becoming a high-income country by 2050. The policies revolve around human capital development, which is essential for fostering economic diversification and sustainable, inclusive growth.
Expressing gratitude for past support, PM Hun Manet also thanked the Korean government for the ODA provided through KOICA and welcomed the promise of continued assistance in the future.
