Paris: Cambodia's Minister of Health, H.E. Professor Chheang Ra, met with senior leadership at the Institut Pasteur in Paris to strengthen bilateral cooperation in infectious disease control and medical research.

According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, the high-level Cambodian delegation was received by Mr. Yves Saint-Geours, Chairman of the Board of Directors; Professor Yasmine Belkaid, Director General; and Odette Tomescu-Hatto, Head of International Relations, alongside a team of research scientists.

During the meeting, Minister H.E. Chheang Ra extended his gratitude to the institute's leadership for their "fraternal reception" and long-standing support of the Kingdom's healthcare infrastructure. He specifically highlighted the "vital role" played by the Institut Pasteur du Cambodge (IPC) in mitigating public health crises.

"The Institut Pasteur du Cambodge remains a cornerstone of our national strategy to prevent and control infectious diseases," the Minister said, citing the institute's contributions to laboratory modernisation, human resource development, and high-level medical research.

In response, Chairman Saint-Geours commended the Royal Government of Cambodia for its proactive collaboration and consistent support of IPC's mission. He reaffirmed the Paris-based institute's commitment to advancing the "One Health" programme in Cambodia, noting that the Kingdom of Cambodia serves as a regional model for the integrated health initiative.

The visit underscores a deepening partnership aimed at elevating Cambodia's diagnostic capabilities and research output to meet international standards.