PHNOM PENH, April 26, 2024 — Switzerland has pledged ongoing support for Cambodia's decentralization efforts, focusing on capacity building for local officials involved in the reforms.

This commitment was confirmed during a meeting in Bern earlier this week between Alexandre Fasel, Secretary of State at the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs of the Swiss Confederation, and Sar Sokha, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior of Cambodia, who also serves as President of the National Committee for Sub-National Democratic Development.

Sokha expressed appreciation for Switzerland's support, which notably includes enhancing the capabilities of Cambodian national police and other law enforcement officials. He highlighted that the Swiss assistance is instrumental in bolstering efforts to combat cybercrimes, money laundering, and enhancing social accountability at the sub-national level.

Additionally, Sokha informed Fasel of his upcoming visit to Switzerland and Germany, aimed at observing and learning from their approaches to decentralization and governance reforms, to further advance these initiatives in Cambodia.