Phnom Penh: On the morning of Wednesday, December 25, 2024, Samdech Techo Hun Sen, President of the Senate, welcomed Dr. Devyani Uttam Khobragade, the outgoing Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of India to Cambodia, for a courtesy call and farewell at the Senate Palace in Phnom Penh.

Senate President Hun Sen commended the cooperation between Cambodia and India, notably during the COVID-19 pandemic. He reflected on the successful state visit of His Majesty King Norodom Sihamoni and the visit of Samdech Hun Manet, as Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces and Commander-in-Chief of the Army, to India, commemorating the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

In her remarks, Ambassador Khobragade expressed gratitude to Senate President Hun Sen for his guidance and support throughout her four-year diplomatic mission in Cambodia, which she deemed successful. She praised the leadership of the government led by the Senate President, particularly following the recent election victory and the smooth transition of power to a new generation of leaders.

The Ambassador recalled the four main tasks Senate President Hun Sen outlined for her at the beginning of her tenure: timely vaccine delivery during the pandemic, bilateral investment treaties, establishing direct flights between Phnom Penh and New Delhi, and enhancing Mekong-Ganges cooperation. She highlighted the successful launch of direct flights from Phnom Penh to New Delhi this year, as well as increased bilateral trade and advancements in online payment systems.

Ambassador Khobragade also noted various projects supported by India in Cambodia, including conservation efforts for Angkor Wat and Preah Vihear temples, capacity building initiatives, and Buddhist relations. She mentioned India's commitment to send tigers and relics of Gautama Buddha to Cambodia in the near future. Additionally, she commended Cambodia's achievements in landmine clearance and its successful hosting of the Siem Reap-Angkor Summit on a Mine-Free World.

The Ambassador acknowledged Senate President Hun Sen's extensive experience in global politics and expressed appreciation for Cambodia’s initiatives in the Global South, emphasizing the importance of supporting India's role in this sphere. She reiterated the strength of the India-Cambodia friendship and informed the Senate President of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's intention to visit Cambodia. She expressed hope that future visits by Cambodian leaders to India would further deepen bilateral relations.

In response, Senate President Hun Sen thanked the Ambassador for her positive evaluation of the leadership and preparations for the successor of the Prime Minister. He praised the longstanding friendship between Cambodia and India, highlighting mutual support throughout history. 

Senate President Hun Sen expressed satisfaction with the accomplishments of key initiatives, particularly in trade agreements. He emphasized that the new direct flight connection will enhance cultural, natural, and religious tourism between the two countries. 

He warmly welcomed the upcoming arrival of Indian tigers and relics of Gautama Buddha to Cambodia and urged India to expand economic, trade, and investment ties further. The Senate President also reaffirmed Cambodia’s commitment to coordinating its foreign policy with countries in the Global South to bolster cooperation and strengthen ASEAN-India relations.