Czech Republic forgives Kingdom’s 1980s debts

PRIME Minister Hun Manet expressed gratitude to the Czech Republic for its decision to cancel Cambodia’s debt and transform it into development aid, as well as for providing additional official assistance.

Manet conveyed his appreciation during a courtesy call from Czech ambassador Martin Vavra on January 10, according to the prime minister’s official Telegram channel.

At the meeting, Manet highlighted the enduring and close friendly relations between the two nations, dating back to the 1980s and commended the recent bilateral cooperation in sectors like information technology, cyber security and agriculture.

Yang Peou, secretary-general of the Royal Academy of Cambodia, lauded the Czech Republic on behalf of the Cambodian people, for writing off Cambodia’s Cold Warera debt and converting it into development aid.

Peou noted that this move aligns with the country’s current needs in technology, security and agriculture.

“The conversion of debt into aid has responded to the right problem, in the right direction and effectively. The Czech Republic has been a cooperative partner since the 1980s,” he said.

On bilateral relations, Peou reflected on the continuity from the Cold War era, when the Czech Republic stood as a supportive ally to Cambodia, a nation then facing political discrimination and economic blockade.

He noted the republic’s role in providing humanitarian and development support during difficult times and its ongoing cooperation into the current era of growth.

In a bilateral meeting in December last year between Cambodia’s Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Dith Tina and ambassador Vavra, both parties praised the assistance and strong cooperation between their countries.

During the meeting, Tina expressed a commitment to continue collaboration and investment with the Czech Republic, focusing on capacity building in the agricultural sector and exploring investment opportunities in fisheries.