Phnom Penh:The Royal Academy of Cambodia (RAC), in collaboration with the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Cambodia, held a seminar on October 26 to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the re-establishment of diplomatic relations between the two nations and to explore future avenues for bilateral cooperation.
According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, the seminar, titled 'The Future Direction of Cambodia-Korea Relations on the Occasion of the 30th Anniversary of the Re-establishment of Diplomatic Relations,' was led 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.
During the seminar, Ambassador Kim expressed his delight at participating in the event marking three decades of renewed diplomatic relations. He highlighted significant achievements in bilateral cooperation over the past 30 years, including investment promotion, trade expansion, development assistance, security cooperation, and people-to-people exchanges. He emphasized the mutual trust and strengthened ties developed through collaborative efforts between Cambodian and Korean citizens, leading to a Strategic Partnership in 2024.
H.E. Sok Touch highlighted the historical ties and mutual understanding underpinning Cambodia-Korea relations. He recalled that diplomatic relations were first established on May 18, 1970, but were severed due to political changes in Cambodia. Relations were restored on October 30, 1997, under the leadership of Samdech Techo Hun Sen, marking a new chapter and opening broader opportunities for cooperation.
The seminar gathered researchers and experts from both countries to review bilateral cooperation achievements and discuss opportunities to enhance relations. Key discussion topics included '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 event reaffirmed the significance of the Cambodia-Korea partnership and provided a platform for exchanging expertise and exploring opportunities for deepening cooperation in the future. Attendees included leaders and officials from RAC, officials from the Embassy of the Republic of Korea, representatives from the Ministry of Interior, trainees from the Royal School of Administration, and students from RAC and monastic institutions.