Kingdom exploring Ugandan links
CAMBODIA and Uganda have agreed to foster bilateral cooperation in trade, investment and tourism, while encouraging closer ties between their chambers of commerce and supporting one another on the international stage.
Both sides are considering connecting collaboration within their respective foreign affairs frameworks, according to a press release from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.
Ministry secretary of state Chum Sounry met with Ugandan Minister of Foreign Affairs Okello Henry Oryem on February 6 at the Cambodian ministry headquarters in Phnom Penh.
The two sides had an exchange of views and discussion on the promotion of their relations, in both bilateral and multilateral frameworks.
The release added that both are considering working towards signing several bilateral documents, including a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on bilateral consultations, as a means of exploring ways to foster cooperation between both nations.
“The two sides share a commitment to deepening cooperation in the fields of trade, investment and tourism, as well as to push for direct interactions between the two countries’ chambers of commerce,” it added.
Sounry expressed his appreciation for Uganda’s successful hosting of the 3rd G77 Summit and the 19th Summit of Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), held recently in Kampala, the capital of the landlocked East African nation.
“Cambodia, as a founding member of NAM, stands ready to offer its full support and cooperation so that Uganda can carry out successfully its mission as chair of NAM from 2024 to 2027,” he said.
Kin Phea, director of the International Relations Institute at the Royal Academy of Cambodia, said on February 7 that the promotion of relations between Cambodia and Uganda is a symbol of the
Cambodian government’s intention to diversify diplomacy and strengthen relations with other countries in the region and beyond.
He added that the commitment to strengthen the relationship with Uganda is a further step forward to diplomacy with Africa, as to date, Cambodia’s relationship with the continent has not been close.
“The most important relationship with the African continent is one of trade, especially in sectors relating to food. The African continent is experiencing growing food shortages, while the Kingdom is in a position to export foodstuffs,” he explained.
“This is an excellent opportunity for the two nations to work together. In addition, Cambodia is yet to greet many African tourists, and we are ready to begin now,” he added.
He expressed optimism about the connections between the two countries, saying that if possible, the two countries should consider opening embassies in each other’s territory. This would allow diplomatic mechanisms to explore potential economic and political cooperation, and be an overall positive step in the Kingdom’s diplomatic policy.