AKP Phnom Penh, January 03, 2025 --

H.E. Prak Sokhonn, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, has deeply appreciated the significant contribution of the European Union (EU) to Cambodia’s development.

The Cambodian top diplomat expressed Cambodia’s deep appreciation when he received EU Ambassador to Cambodia H.E. Igor Driesmans, at the ministry on Jan. 2, said a press release of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation AKP received this evening.

H.E. Deputy Prime Minister also extended cordial congratulations to EU leaders on the resumption of their mandate last December, the source added.

According to the ministry, during this meeting, Ambassador Driesmans underlined the EU's commitment to continue supporting Cambodia's socio-economic progress through technical assistance, and capacity-building programmes to address key challenges such as poverty reduction, health care, education, and climate change, while fostering a more inclusive and prosperous society.

H.E. Deputy Prime Minister commended Ambassador Driesmans for his dedication in strengthening Cambodia-EU bilateral relations, particularly through his active engagement with various Cambodian institutions. He conveyed Cambodia's sincere gratitude to the EU for aligning the Joint European Strategy for Development Cooperation with the priorities outlined in Cambodia's Pentagonal Strategy-Phase I, which aims to achieve sustainable and inclusive growth and turn Cambodia into a high-income country by 2050.

On political relations, both sides emphasised the importance of maintaining high-level engagements between Cambodian and EU leaders as in recent years, which have strengthened partnership based on mutual benefit, understanding, and respects.

While touching on strengthening democracy and the rule of law, H.E. Prak Sokhonn reaffirmed Cambodia's strong commitment to upholding the rule of law as defined by the Cambodian Constitution and existing laws, with the goal of enhancing democratic space for the best interest of the Cambodian people.

The discussion also covered some regional and international issues.

By C. Nika