New York (FN), Sep. 24 – Australian foreign minister Penny Wong reiterated that Australia pledged to continue working with the Royal Government of Cambodia to build common interests for the people of the two countries, as well as overcoming all obstacles and differences of opinion to support each other in all aspects with high responsibility.

Penny Wong spoke in a bilateral meeting with Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet on 22 September 2023 at the United Nations Headquarters in the New York city.

During the meeting, Samdech Thipadei informed Australia of Cambodia's position on continuing close cooperation with Australia under both bilateral and multilateral frameworks. Penny Wong welcomed this affirmation and highlighted the long-standing friendship between Cambodia and Australia, as well as many other initiatives that the two countries can enhance cooperation, especially on the path of socio-economic development.

At the same time, the Australian foreign minister praised the Royal Government of Cambodia of the 7th legislative mandate for implementing the Pentagon Strategy-Phase 1, which clearly defines the goals and political paths that Cambodia must follow, as well as the areas of cooperation that Australia can work with Cambodia, such as education and training, human resources, trade and investment.

In response, premier Hun Manet thanked Australia for providing scholarships to Cambodian students, which is an important contribution to human resource training of Cambodia.

At the same time, premier Hun Manet also briefed the Australian foreign minister on the political aspects and building of Cambodian democratic society.

In fact, Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet mentioned the overwhelming participation of the Cambodian people in the 7th National Assembly Election 2023, which is an indisputable proof of the people's trust in the democratic process in Cambodia.

Samdech also spoke about the Royal Government's strong stance on continuing to improve human rights and the democratic process in Cambodia, including governance and justice reforms. There are thousands of NGOs operating and licensing to renew the mandate of the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Cambodia.

On the occasion, Penny Wong reaffirmed Australia's position to work with the Royal Government of Cambodia to build common interests for the two peoples, as well as overcoming all obstacles and differences of opinion, to support each other in all aspects with high responsibility.

Overall, the two sides are committed to further strengthening cooperation and bilateral relations, especially through better people-to-people contacts, as well as between business and business.
=FRESH NEWS