Phnom Penh (FN), Mar. 13 – The European Union (EU) announced to closely work with Cambodia to expand trade and investment cooperation in industry, education, vocational training, and health.
Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet received a courtesy call by EU Commissioner for International Partnerships Jutta Urpilainen on 12 March 2024 at the Peace Palace.
During the meeting, Jutta Urpilainen thanked Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet for granting her and the delegation a courtesy call. She also congratulated Samdech Thipadei on his appointment as Cambodian Prime Minister in August 2023 and praised Cambodia for its successful chairmanship of ASEAN in 2022.
Jutta Urpilainen reaffirmed the close and enduring good relations and cooperation between the EU and Cambodia. She briefed Samdech Thipadei on the remarkable progress made in all areas of Cambodia, enabling the country to transition from a less developed country to a lower-middle-income country by 2015 and aiming to become a high-income country by 2030.
Jutta Urpilainen also informed the premier that the EU will continue to strengthen and expand cooperation with the Royal Government of Cambodia in key areas including trade and investment, industry, education, vocational training, and health.
Meanwhile, during her current visit to Cambodia, the European Commissioner will witness the signing ceremony of several agreements, including (1) the EU-Cambodia Partnership Program for Technical Education Training 2024-2027, (2) Trade and Private Sector Program, (3) EU Partnership Program for Sustainable Energy Practices in Industry, and (4) Cambodia Partnership Program for Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems.
Jutta Urpilainen also stated that during her tenure as the EU Commissioner, she is committed to further strengthening EU-Cambodia cooperation.
For his part, Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet welcomed Jutta Urpilainen and the visiting delegation to Cambodia and expressed gratitude for the EU's support for Cambodia's socio-economic development in the past.
Samdech Thipadei underlined that the Royal Government has outlined Pentagonal Strategy-Phase I, which focuses on socio-economic development and highlighted the implementation of key measures and priority areas for Cambodia, particularly in promoting education, health, and offering free vocational and technical training programs for 1.5 million young people from poor and vulnerable households across the country over the next five years, aiming to integrate them into the workforce and improve their quality of life.
Regarding the achievement of Least Developed Country (LDC) Graduation, the premier expressed gratitude for the significant contribution of the European Union and requested continued support from the EU.
On the occasion, Samdech Thipadei and the EU Commissioner also discussed and exchanged views on regional cooperation and a range of regional and global issues of mutual interest between Cambodia and the European Union.
=FRESH NEWS
