AKP Phnom Penh, October 26, 2026 —

The Royal Academy of Cambodia (RAC), in cooperation with the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Cambodia, organised a seminar on Oct. 26 to mark the 30th anniversary of the re-establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries and explore future directions for bilateral cooperation.

The seminar, entitled “The Future Direction of Cambodia–Korea Relations on the Occasion of the 30th Anniversary of the Re-establishment of Diplomatic Relations,” was presided over by H.E. Sok Touch, President of the Royal Academy of Cambodia, and H.E. Kim Changyong, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Cambodia.

Addressing the seminar, Ambassador Kim expressed his pleasure at joining the event to commemorate three decades of renewed diplomatic relations between the two countries.

He highlighted key achievements in bilateral cooperation over the past 30 years, including investment promotion, trade expansion, development assistance, security cooperation and people-to-people exchanges.

He noted that Cambodian and Korean citizens had worked and invested alongside one another for many years, helping build mutual trust and strengthen ties between the two nations. These growing relations culminated in the establishment of a Strategic Partnership in 2024.

The Ambassador expressed confidence that the 30th anniversary would serve as an important milestone for both countries to consolidate their achievements and further strengthen their partnership over the next three decades.

H.E. Sok Touch underscored that Cambodia-Korea relations were founded on historical ties, friendship and mutual understanding.

The two countries first established diplomatic relations on May 18, 1970, but ties were subsequently severed amid political changes in Cambodia. Diplomatic relations were restored on Oct. 30, 1997, under the leadership of Samdech Techo Hun Sen, marking a new chapter in bilateral relations and opening broader opportunities for cooperation.

He said the restoration of diplomatic ties was not merely a diplomatic milestone but also reflected the political will and long-term vision of both countries’ leaders to develop relations based on mutual respect, trust and shared interests.

“Cambodia–Korea relations can be regarded as an example of an international partnership that can grow and prosper through trust, mutual respect, and a shared commitment to working together,” he said.

The seminar brought together researchers and experts from Cambodia and South Korea to review achievements in bilateral cooperation and exchange views on opportunities to strengthen relations in the years ahead.

Discussions centred on two key topics: “Cambodia–Korea Cooperation over the Past 30 Years and the Next 30 Years” and “The Current Situation and Future Directions of Cambodia–Korea Cooperation in Combating Transnational Crime.”

The discussions provided a platform for participants to share expertise and examine ways to enhance cooperation in addressing cross-border criminal activities, alongside broader bilateral priorities.

The seminar was attended by RAC’s leaders and officials, officials and staff of the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in the Kingdom of Cambodia, representatives of the Ministry of Interior, trainees from the Royal School of Administration, as well as monastic students and other students of RAC.

The seminar reaffirmed the importance of the Cambodia–Korea partnership and provided a valuable platform for both countries to review their achievements, exchange expertise, and explore opportunities to deepen cooperation in the decades ahead.

By Chea Vannak