PHNOM PENH, September 09, 2024 — Cambodia and Canada have taken steps to strengthen their bilateral relations and enhance cooperation within the ASEAN framework. This development came during the inaugural Bilateral Consultations between their respective Foreign Ministries, held in Ottawa on September 5, 2024.

The meeting, co-chaired by H.E. CHUM Sounry, Secretary of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Cambodia (MFAIC), and H.E. Alan Bowman, Director-General for Southeast Asia and Oceania of the Global Affairs of Canada, reviewed existing cooperation and outlined future collaborative actions. Key areas of focus included trade and investment, demining, consular affairs, tourism, and Francophonie initiatives.

Additionally, discussions touched on the ASEAN-Canada Strategic Partnership and prospects for a Free Trade Agreement. H.E. Weldon Epp, Assistant Deputy Minister for the Indo Pacific at Global Affairs Canada, also briefed Secretary Sounry on Canada’s Indo Pacific Strategy.

The consultations were further enriched by a luncheon hosted by H.E. Ms. Sandra McCardell, Associate Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada, where regional and international issues of mutual interest were discussed.

The Cambodian delegation also included H.E. RATH Saravuth, Secretary of State at the Ministry of Commerce, and Mr. Kim Chan Phirum, Cambodian Honorary Consul in Montréal, underscoring the comprehensive nature of the discussions aimed at fostering a “trusted partnership” between the two nations.