Kunming, Yunnan Province, China — Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet recently conducted a series of high-profile diplomatic meetings in Yunnan, China, underscoring his commitment to fostering regional cooperation and addressing shared challenges. His agenda included discussions with Yunnan Governor Wang Yubo, as well as bilateral engagements with Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and Myanmar's Senior General Min Aung Hlaing. These interactions, held alongside the GMS, ACMECS, and CLMV summits from November 5 to 7, highlight Cambodia's proactive role in strengthening ties within the Greater Mekong region.

Upon arrival in Kunming, Hun Manet was warmly welcomed by Yunnan Governor Wang Yubo. Both leaders praised the steady growth in Cambodia-China relations, particularly noting Yunnan’s significant role in promoting trade and investment with Cambodia. They reflected on joint projects like the Siem Reap Angkor International Airport, which was developed with Yunnan’s investment, as a testament to the strong economic cooperation between the two nations. Hun Manet acknowledged Yunnan’s contributions, particularly its scholarships and training opportunities for Cambodian students, and expressed hope for increased tourism and investment flows between the regions.

Hun Manet also met with Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and Myanmar’s Senior General Min Aung Hlaing to discuss issues of mutual interest. His conversation with Min Aung Hlaing focused on enhancing cooperation in trade, tourism, and cultural exchanges, commemorating the upcoming 70th anniversary of Cambodia-Myanmar diplomatic relations. Both leaders also addressed the ongoing political crisis in Myanmar, with Hun Manet reiterating Cambodia’s support for a peaceful, Myanmar-led solution and the important role ASEAN plays in restoring stability.

In a separate meeting, Hun Manet and Pham Minh Chinh celebrated the economic progress between Cambodia and Vietnam. They acknowledged a 22% increase in bilateral trade in 2024 and committed to accelerating efforts towards a USD 10 billion trade target. Key areas of focus included enhancing infrastructure connectivity and expanding cultural and youth exchanges to strengthen people-to-people ties. Both leaders expressed eagerness for continued high-level engagement to expedite the demarcation of remaining borders, reinforcing the commitment to peace and cooperation.

Hun Manet concluded his visit by expressing appreciation to Vietnam for facilitating religious ceremonies for Cambodian monks at Xoai Xiem Moi Pagoda in Tra Vinh province, as well as the warm reception extended to Cambodian Red Cross President Bun Rany Hun Sen and her delegation.

These meetings reflect Cambodia’s strategic commitment to fostering regional solidarity and highlight the pivotal role of diplomatic ties in addressing mutual goals and challenges within the Greater Mekong Subregion.