AKP Phnom Penh, May 27, 2025 -- 

Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen, President of the Senate of the Kingdom of Cambodia, has asked Russia to establish direct flights to Cambodia as soon as possible to strengthen bilateral relations, enhance people-to-people exchanges, and boost tourism.

The proposal was made during a meeting with H.E. Igor Krasnov, Prosecutor General of the Russian Federation, at the Senate Palace in Phnom Penh this morning.

Samdech Techo Hun Sen warmly welcomed the visit, highlighting the strong and growing relationship between Cambodia and Russia, particularly across the legislative, executive, and judicial sectors. He expressed hope that the visit would contribute to deepening cooperation in law enforcement and justice, as well as broader bilateral ties.

The Senate President extended his congratulations to Russia on the occasion of the 80th Anniversary of the Victory of the Soviet People in the Great Patriotic War (May 9, 1945 – May 9, 2025).

He also thanked the Russian government for its ongoing support, particularly in human resource development. Many Cambodians who studied in Russia, he noted, have returned and are actively contributing to the country’s development under the leadership of the Royal Government.

Samdech Techo emphasised the importance of promoting economic collaboration, including increasing mutual trade and investment. He also took the opportunity to invite H.E. Dmitry Medvedev, Chairman of the United Russia Party, to visit Cambodia, extending the invitation through Prosecutor General Krasnov.

For his part, H.E. Igor Krasnov recalled that H.E. Vladimir Putin, President of the Russian Federation, during his meeting with Samdech Techo Hun Sen in 2016, praised the Russian-Cambodian friendship, which has been strengthened for almost 70 years since the countries established diplomatic relations. “Russia highly appreciates your personal contribution to the development of bilateral dialogue,” the Prosecutor General said.

He also briefed Samdech Techo Hun Sen on his visit to Cambodia, during which he held discussions with several senior leaders, including H.E. Koeut Rith, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Justice. The visit led to the signing of important agreements in the legal sector and commitments to further cooperation in legal training and education.

Regarding the request for direct flights, H.E. Igor Krasnov pledged to relay the proposal to the Russian leadership. He expressed hope that Russian airlines would study the feasibility of launching direct routes to Cambodia soon, with the aim of promoting travel, tourism, and deeper people-to-people ties between the two nations.

By C. Nika