Phnom Penh, July 4, 2024 – The Royal Government of Cambodia is embracing food diplomacy as a vital component of its economic diplomacy efforts, utilizing it to promote Cambodian culture on the international stage.

Ms. Eat Sophea, Secretary of State and Personal Adviser to Prime Minister Hun Manet, emphasized the importance of food diplomacy during her speech at the closing ceremony of the "Culinary Diplomacy Training Course." The event, held at the National Institute of Diplomacy and International Relations on July 3, was attended by 20 diplomats and their spouses from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.

Ms. Sophea congratulated the participants who successfully completed the course and received certificates. She underlined that culinary diplomacy is not just an extension of economic diplomacy but a priority for the government. This initiative aims to extend the reach of Cambodian culture through its cuisine, which could lead to increased exports of agricultural products, and boost investment and tourism in Cambodia.

Ms. Sophea encouraged the diplomats to leverage food diplomacy as a strategic tool to enhance Cambodia’s cultural prominence globally, thereby reaping significant economic benefits for the nation.