Cambodia, Maldives enhance collaborative tourism, trade relations

A high level National Assembly (NA) official has completed a working visit to the Maldives, with the goal of enhancing collaboration and connectivity in various sectors, including tourism and trade, as well as cultural exchanges.

Suos Yara, chairman of the NA’s Committee on Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Information, paid a November 16-19 working visit to the island state, said a November 20 NA press release.

At the invitation of newlyappointed Maldives president Mohamed Muizzu, Yara was guest of honour at the inauguration of the new president, as well as his vice-president, Hussain Mohamed Latheef.

Yara also held a working meeting with Latheef. During their discussions, Latheef recalled former Prime Minister Hun Sen’s historic visit to the Maldives in January of this year. He also expressed his gratitude to the Cambodian government for naming a street in Preah Sihanouk province “CambodiaMaldives Friendship Street” in commemoration of the 30th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two nations.

“The discussions centred on enhancing tourism connections, fostering trade and investment and engaging in exchanges related to cultural and marine resource preservation. The aim of both sides is to promote regional and global peace, humanitarian efforts, food security and mutual support in international and inter-parliamentary forums,” added the release.

Thuon Sinan, president of the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) Cambodia, believed that all countries have the potential to become interconnected through tourism, economy, trade and investment, but noted that the Maldives is a small and isolated nation.

“Obviously, the Maldives attracts tourists, but they are different interests that may not match guests to Cambodia. There are no direct flights between the Maldives and the Kingdom, as opposed to Singapore, Hong Kong, Thailand, Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia,” he said.

The Maldives is a small island nation with little economic and political potential for the world, he said.

During his visit, Yara, in his capacity as president of the International Parliament for Tolerance and Peace (IPTP), also met with Ahmed Bin Mohammed Al Jarwan, chairman of the Global Council for Tolerance and Peace (GCTP), an international platform dedicated to promoting tolerance, peace and noble human objectives.

Discussions focused on preparations for the June 2024 International Parliament for Tolerance and Peace (IPTP), with Cambodia is slated to host.