PHNOM PENH: The Minister of National Assembly-Senate Relations and Inspection, Deputy Prime Minister Men Sam An, reaffirmed the Australian Ambassador to Cambodia's strong political ties and support for strengthening investment and trade cooperation between Cambodia and Australia, and requested the Australian side to continue providing scholarships to civil servants studying at the Australian Center for Education (ACE).

This confirmation was made on the morning of Monday, 28 February, 2022 when the Deputy Prime Minister welcomed the new Australian Ambassador to Cambodia, Pablo Kang, to pay a courtesy visit at the Ministry.

The new Australian Ambassador expressed his pleasure that DPM Men Sam An allowed the meeting to take place today. He added that Cambodia and Australia have jointly focused on gender issues and on the advancement of women in a number of areas, focusing on women's issues within the framework of security, peace and policy formulation to prevent domestic violence as well.

He added that this year marks the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Cambodia and Australia and is an important year in which Australia, as well as Cambodia and the world, are working together to prevent the spread of Covid-19 (especially the Omicron variant). Australia has also provided assistance in the form of vaccines, medical equipment, and vaccine cabinets to Cambodia.

The Ambassador also stated he hopes that Cambodia would be able to contribute to the Australia-Korea Initiative, which is preparing a leadership statement on women's economic development in the framework of the East Asia Summit.

Regarding the proposal related to the provision of scholarships to civil servants from the Ministry at ACE, the Australian Ambassador requested more time for discussion and would inform the Minister about the final decision later.

DPM Men Sam An welcomed and congratulated Ambassador Pablo Chiho Kang on his appointment as the Australian Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Kingdom of Cambodia.

She also thanked Australia for its assistance to Cambodia within the framework of the United Nations, ASEAN, as well as for cooperation and partnerships in all areas.