Phnom Penh (FN), Feb. 28 – Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MoFA) hoped that the European Union (EU) will continue to maintain good relations and cooperation with Cambodia.

The statement came after the EU Council warned once again to cut off tax preferences for the export of Cambodian goods into the EU market.

"Cambodia's foreign policy is to build relationships and cooperation with all countries in the world, including the EU, on the basis of mutual respect, benefit, the independent, neutrality and non-interference into the internal affairs of each other,” said Chum Sounry, MoFA’s spokesman on Tuesday.

The EU’s decision to impose economic sanctions against Cambodia was made due to the degrading of implementation of democracy and human rights.

Cambodia's total exports to the EU market in 2016 amounted to over $6 billion, with full tax preferences from European markets. The exports included garments, socks, shoes, rice, grain, leather goods, rubber and bicycles.

Regarding the crackdown on opposition party and civil society organizations, some members of the EU have expressed their support for Cambodia's measures and considered it as actions taken under the internal affairs of Cambodia.
=FRESH NEWS