Phnom Penh (FN), May 13 – This day marks the 65th anniversary of establishment of the diplomatic relations between the Russian Federation and the Kingdom of Cambodia. After more than six decades of developing bilateral partnership, it is time to look back at our history of experience and successes to pave the way for a better future.
The exchange of notes between the diplomatic missions of the USSR and Cambodia happened on 23 April and 13 May 1956, and was swiftly followed by the visit of Prince Norodom Sihanouk to the Soviet Union. There he was welcomed in Moscow and Leningrad (nowadays – Saint Petersburg), met the Soviet leadership, as well as saw the achievements of the socialist state.
That visit initiated a long-standing mutual cooperation, with assistance in infrastructure development, healthcare and education provided to Cambodia, cultural and educational exchanges, professionals’ training flourished.
After the tragic period of ruling by the Khmer Rouge regime over the country, the bilateral relations were reestablished. Moscow actively participated in the restoration of Cambodia, sending its specialists to assist the national revival, welcoming Cambodian youth in Soviet universities, encouraging local personnel training.
Nowadays Russia regards Cambodia as a reliable partner in the Asia Pacific region, and is pleased with the intensity of bilateral political dialogue.
On 23-24 November 2015 the Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev arrived with a historic visit to the Kingdom with a large amount of bilateral documents signed, covering inter-parties relations, information, health, security, cultural dimensions. On 17-19 May 2016, Prime Minister of the Kingdom Hun Sen arrived to Moscow and then Sochi, where he took part in the 20th Russia-ASEAN Dialogue Summit and had a meeting with President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin.
Close interactions between the parliaments of the two states, regular contacts between their foreign ministries, as well as consistent people-to-people contacts ensure strengthening of the bilateral ties.
Today intensification and expansion of commercial exchanges between Russia and Cambodia are one of the key objectives of the whole scope of relations. Both nations have consistently worked together on building up bilateral trade, advancing economic ties and creating conditions favourable for inciting business activity. In this respect, it is important to note the role of the Intergovernmental Russian-Cambodian Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific and Technological Cooperation which remarkably contributes to promotion of the bilateral interactions in a wide range of areas, including technology, medicine, education and ICTs. While the pandemic disrupted the early plans, we are awaiting the 11th session of the Intergovernmental Commission to be convened this year.
One of the remarkable components of the Russian-Cambodian relations was their humanitarian dialogue. In recent years, there has been a marked intensification of delegation exchange and participation in the cultural events, consistent development of dialogue in education and youth policy. Since early 1980-s, more than 8 thousand Cambodians studies in the USSR and Russia, with my country being committed to continue advancing this dimension.
Nowadays, when the whole world is facing the coronavirus pandemic, our two countries are doing their best to overcome this dreadful challenge.
The Royal Government has adopted prompt measures to contain the spread of the pandemic, with professionals of the medical, police, military services selflessly devoting themselves to the safety and good of the whole nation.
In this context, it is an honour to see the Khmer-Soviet Friendship Hospital being on the front of struggle against the dangerous coronavirus disease. Once built as a Soviet gift to Cambodia, today the hospital has demonstrated its efficiency and care for the people.
In spite of the pandemic, Russia and Cambodia continue to interact within various international organizations and platforms via videoconference, demonstrating solidarity in the United Nations, the Asia-Europe Meeting and ASEAN related frameworks. On 7 September 2020, Cambodia as the ASEM host country, Russia and other Regional Coordinators adopted the ASEM Ministerial Statement on COVID-19, reaffirming the vow to combat the disease.
We welcome the Kingdom in taking its turn as a coordinator of Russia-ASEAN Dialogue Partnership, which celebrates this year its 25th anniversary and 30 years since establishment of relations between Russia and ASEAN. My country supports and looks forward to the upcoming 13th ASEM Summit in November 2021, which is hosted by Cambodia.
In the past 65 years the relations between the two nations continue to flourish. We are ready to embrace the future to further deepen traditional friendship and mutual trust between the two peoples of Russia and Cambodia.
By H.E. Mr. Anatoly Borovik, Ambassador of the Russian Federation to the Kingdom of Cambodia
=FRESH NEWS
