Cambodia-Russia 55th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations Observed

AKP Phnom Penh, May 12, 2011 –

May 13 this year marks the 55th Anniversary of the diplomatic relationship between the Russian Federation and the Kingdom of Cambodia.

Yesterday, the Russian Embassy here in the capital city of Cambodia organized a get-together at Phnom Penh Intercontinental Hotel to commemorate the milestone between the two countries.

H.E. Mr. Alexander Ignatov, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Russian Federation to the Kingdom of Cambodia spoke highly of the relationship and cooperation between both countries in the past 55 years.

“Since May 13, 1956, the cooperation and friendship between our two countries have seen fruitful result and we are moving forward to the prosperity for the peoples of the two countries in the future,” the ambassador said.

He recalled several kinds of assistance Russia (former Soviet Union) has provided to Cambodia such as the construction of Kampuchea-Soviet Hospital in the 1960s. Few days ago, the government of the Russian Federation has donated medical equipment and materials worth US$100,000 to the hospital.

“We have provided scholarships to over 8,000 Cambodian students to study in Russia and I can see a good number of them holding high-ranking positions in the Cambodian government”, remarked the ambassador.

He said some 40,000 Russian tourists came to Cambodia in 2010, and only in January 2011 there were 10,000 Russian tourists spending their overseas tour in Cambodia.

“We are ready to broaden and strengthen our cooperation with Cambodia and I believe that our concerted efforts will result in consolidating the relations between our two peoples, thus serving the interest of our two nations,” he stressed.

In reply, Deputy Prime Minister H.E. Hor Namhong, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Cambodia expressed profound thanks to the Russian government and people for their support and assistance to Cambodia in the past as well as at present.

By Kimseng