AKP Phnom Penh, May 07, 2026 -- Minister of Rural Development H.E. Chhay Rithisen on Thursday received Singaporean Ambassador H.E. Steven Pang Chee Wee for a courtesy call and working discussion focused on enhancing bilateral cooperation in rural development.

The meeting, held at the Ministry of Rural Development (MRD), was attended by the ministry’s senior leadership and members of the Singaporean delegation.

During the meeting, H.E. Chhay Rithisen highlighted Cambodia’s development progress achieved under lasting peace, crediting the leadership of Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen, President of the Senate and former Prime Minister, as well as the current leadership of Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet.

The Minister also outlined the government’s development direction under the Pentagonal Strategy – Phase 1, aimed at realising Cambodia Vision 2050 of becoming a high-income country.

He reviewed the Ministry’s recent achievements and priorities under the National Policy on Rural Development 2025-2035, which focuses on building prosperous, inclusive, equitable, and sustainable rural communities.

H.E. Chhay Rithisen further emphasised the strong cooperation between Cambodia and Singapore, particularly in human resource development through Singapore-supported training programmes for MRD officials.

For his part, Ambassador Steven Pang thanked the Ministry for the warm welcome and praised Cambodia’s development progress. He expressed support for the ministry’s efforts to accelerate rural development and sustainably improve household incomes.

The ambassador also reaffirmed Singapore’s commitment to strengthening bilateral ties and expanding cooperation with Cambodia.

Concluding the meeting, H.E. Minister expressed appreciation for Singapore’s continued partnership and support for Cambodia’s rural transformation and development goals.

By C. Nika