PHNOM PENH: The Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Prak Sokhonn, met with Deputy Foreign Minister of the United Kingdom, Amanda Milling on Tuesday morning. The two discussed the United Kingdom as a new dialogue partner for ASEAN, and an array of other topics including human rights, climate change, trade and the close cooperation between Cambodia and the UK on shared challenges.

The Deputy Foreign Minister of the United Kingdom, Amanda Milling, stated that during her meeting with Cambodian Foreign Minister Prak Sokhon this morning, the two sides pledged to work closely together during Cambodia's chairmanship of ASEAN this year, to improve trade and address major regional challenges.

Minister Amanda Milling wrote on her Twitter account saying she was “Delighted to meet with Cambodian Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn,” and the UK, as a new Dialogue Partner, was “committed to working closely with Cambodia as 2022 Chair of ASEAN, in order to address the region's biggest challenges, boost trade and offer UK expertise in building back better.”

Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn wrote on his Facebook page that Cambodia and the United Kingdom have many similar views and visions for development. He said that this morning's meeting focused on a number of different topics such as the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic, embracing the opportunities to build back better, the Myanmar crisis, and human rights protection. He also announced that ASEAN was ready to increase its ties with the United Kingdom.

Amanda Milling arrived for her official visit to Cambodia on Sunday, January 9th, the first visit by a British Minister since the United Kingdom became an ASEAN dialogue partner in 2021. During her visit, she has met with government, business and civil society officials to discuss strengthening ties with countries in the region, promoting trade, resolving the Kuwaiti crisis, issues related to climate change and the UK's role as a dialogue partner of ASEAN.