Phnom Penh (FN), Nov. 14 – Cambodian prime minister Hun Sen and his New Zealander counterpart Jacinda Ardern expressed satisfaction with the progress of longstanding relations of friendship and cooperation between the two countries.

“Premier Jacinda Ardern congratulated premier Hun Sen for the successful ASEAN Chairmanship and the excellent arrangement in hosting the ASEAN Summits and Related Summits, while acknowledging the wise leadership of Samdech in successfully addressing the COVID19 pandemic. Samdech thanked New Zealand for her important contribution in the peace process in Cambodia and her continued assistance to Cambodia’s socio-economic development, including in the fields of education, agriculture, renewable energy, and demining,” according to the outcomes seen by Fresh News on Monday (Nov 14).

The two premiers discussed ways to further promote their bilateral cooperation in trade, investment, education and people-to-people connectivity. Samdech called for stronger business links, the importation of more Cambodian rice to New Zealand and investment from New Zealand on Agro-industry such as rice mill. He also appreciated New Zealand’s continued contribution to human resource development in Cambodia, including the invaluable scholarships for government officials and students.

On ASEAN-New Zealand relations, Samdech thanked the Jacinda Ardern for New Zealand’s support to Cambodia’s ASEAN Chairmanship 2022 and commended New Zealand’s efforts to deepen the ASEAN-New Zealand Strategic Partnership.

The two leaders also exchanged views on regional and international issues, during which Samdech underlined the complexity of Myanmar crisis and Cambodia’s endeavors as Chair of ASEAN this year to push the implementation of the ASEAN Leaders’ Five-Point Consensus (5PC). He stressed Cambodia's position against threat to use nuclear weapons and reiterated Cambodia’s firm adherence to its constitution, which does not permit foreign military base or presence on Cambodian soil.

Lastly, the premier underlined that the renovation of Ream Naval Base served solely to strengthen the country’s naval capacities to protect its maritime integrity.
=FRESH NEWS