AKP Phnom Penh, May 21, 2025 -- 

Cambodian Minister of Tourism H.E. Huot Hak held a working meeting and luncheon yesterday with H.E. Mrs. Ülkü Kocaefe, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Türkiye to Cambodia, and her delegation.

According to the Ministry of Tourism, the meeting focused on deepening bilateral cooperation, particularly in preparation for the launch of direct flights from Istanbul — a transcontinental city bridging Europe and Asia — to Cambodia. The inaugural flight is scheduled for Dec. 10, 2025.

The two sides also discussed strategies to promote Cambodia’s “Green Season” tourism campaign among Turkish travellers and visitors from other Muslim-majority countries. As part of the initiative, a promotional tourism video featuring both the Minister and the Ambassador will be produced to encourage greater interest from Turkish and international tourists.

The meeting also reviewed progress on implementing agreements reached during H.E. Huot Hak’s official visit to Türkiye in April.

H.E. Minister Huot Hak emphasised that the growing cooperation between Cambodia and Türkiye is the result of wise, principled, and visionary leadership by former Prime Minister Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen. This legacy is being actively continued under the leadership of current Prime Minister Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet. Their vision has accelerated Cambodia’s development and strengthened diplomatic ties with Türkiye, particularly through increased people-to-people exchanges and expanded tourism collaboration during the current mandate.

By Phal Sophanith