PHNOM PENH, October 11, 2024 — In a significant step to enhance diplomatic ties, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced plans to open an embassy in Phnom Penh during a meeting with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet. The discussion took place on October 10 in Vientiane, Laos, on the sidelines of the ASEAN summits.

Prime Minister Trudeau expressed his pleasure at meeting Hun Manet and highlighted the strengthening relationship between Cambodia and Canada. He noted that opening an embassy in the Cambodian capital would mark a new chapter in diplomatic relations, aimed at fostering closer cooperation.

Trudeau also revealed plans to boost trade relations by sending a Canadian trade delegation to Cambodia to engage with the Ministry of Commerce and other relevant ministries. The move is intended to explore the untapped potential in bilateral trade. He expressed optimism about future trade growth, especially in light of the anticipated ASEAN-Canada Free Trade Agreement.

Hun Manet welcomed the announcement, expressing appreciation for the long-standing relationship between the two nations. He thanked Canada for its contributions to Cambodia’s peacekeeping efforts in the 1990s, including peacekeeper deployment, demining assistance, and various development programs. He also noted that Canada is Cambodia's seventh-largest bilateral trade partner, contributing to the country's socio-economic development through job creation and professional training for young Cambodians.

The Cambodian Prime Minister pointed to recent initiatives that have strengthened ties, such as a trade fair in Montreal and plans to open a Cambodian embassy in Canada. He also outlined ongoing reform programs launched by the Cambodian government to improve the business environment and create more favorable conditions for private sector growth.

The opening of a Canadian embassy in Phnom Penh is expected to further solidify the relationship, paving the way for deeper diplomatic, economic, and cultural exchanges between the two countries.