AKP Phnom Penh, October 9, 2026 -- Cambodia has sought support from the French Development Agency (AFD) for water infrastructure development and a proposed waterway connection between the Mekong River and Tonle Sap Lake.

The request was raised by H.E. Thor Chetha, Minister of Water Resources and Meteorology, during a meeting with Ms. Laetitia Habchi, the new Regional Director of AFD in Cambodia, and her accompanying delegation at the Ministry on Oct. 9.

H.E. Thor Chetha welcomed Ms. Laetitia Habchi as she begins her new mission in Cambodia and expressed confidence that cooperation between AFD and the Ministry of Water Resources and Meteorology (MOWRAM) would become stronger and more effective under her leadership.

He highlighted the importance of strengthening collaboration to ensure the successful implementation of ongoing programmes and projects, while identifying new opportunities for future cooperation.

The Minister also informed the delegation that the Ministry was preparing a five-year strategic plan for the management and development of the water resources and meteorology sector, which will set out key priorities and requirements for the coming years.

In addition, he requested that the French side consider providing financial and technical support for a preliminary feasibility study of the Prek Angkor Ban project, which aims to connect the waterway system from the Mekong River to Tonle Sap Lake.

The discussions focused on strengthening existing cooperation and exploring further support for Cambodia’s water resources and meteorology sector.

By Sum Kosal