Phnom Penh, Cambodia – April 3, 2025– The European Union Honorary Consul Corps in Cambodia, led by Salah Essa, Honorary Consul of Cyprus and Dean of the Corps, conducted a courtesy visit to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MOFAIC) on April 3, 2025.
During the meeting with Mrs. EAT Sophea, Permanent Secretary of State and Personal Advisor to the Prime Minister, the Consuls engaged in discussions with key MOFAIC officials, including, THO Samnang, Director General of Legal, Consular and Border Affairs, SENG Socheat, Director of the Consular Affairs Department, VA Vireakbot, Chief of Bureau, Consular Affairs Department and KY Dara, Deputy Chief of Bureau, Consular Affairs Department
The dialogue aimed at enhancing diplomatic relations, promoting mutual understanding, and strengthening collaboration between the Honorary Consul Corps and the Cambodian government.
Attending the meeting were several Honorary Consuls, including: Mr. Salah Essa, Honorary Consul of Cyprus (Dean of the Corps), Honorable Markus Gridling, Honorary Consul of Austria, Honorable Thierry Dalimier, Honorary Consul of Belgium, Honorable Aurelio Flacco, Honorary Consul of Italy, Honorable Gerhard Jan Lennips, Honorary Consul of the Netherlands (Phnom Penh), Honorable Savin Mao, Honorary Consul of Norway, Honorable Fco Javier Solá Martí, Honorary Consul of Spain, Honorable Kim Tol Tan, Honorary Consul of Sweden
The Honorary Consuls acknowledged the Ministry's ongoing support and commitment to fostering strong international partnerships. They reiterated their dedication to contributing to Cambodia's international relations and economic diplomacy.
Key topics of discussion included strengthening economic ties between Cambodia and EU member states, supporting the establishment of a Free Trade Agreement, addressing double taxation treaties, and developing cross-border payment systems like Bakong. The meeting also covered Cambodia’s reform efforts in financial management, taxation, and sustainable development, as well as strategies for promoting tourism. Additional discussions focused on long-term visa options for foreign spouses of Cambodian citizens and simplifying civil document procedures for Cambodians living abroad.
In her closing remarks, Mrs. EAT Sophea expressed gratitude for the Consuls’ dedication and reaffirmed Cambodia’s commitment to further cooperation, aligning with the diplomatic objectives of the Royal Government of Cambodia under the leadership of Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadhei Hun Manet.
Following the meeting, the Honorary Consuls were provided with a tour of the Ministry compound by the MOFAIC protocol team, further emphasizing the collaborative spirit of the visit.
