Phnom Penh (FN), Mar. 18 – Cambodia's Acting Head of State and President of the Senate Say Chhum expressed gratitude to the Royal Government of Thailand for dedicating time to facilitate procedures for Cambodian workers residing and working in Thailand, as well as for providing vocational training and Thai language training.
Say Chhum received a courtesy call by President of the Pheu Thai Party Paetongtarn Shinawatra, on Monday (Mar. 18) at the Senate.
At the same time, the acting head of State conveyed deep appreciation to Paetongtarn Shinawatra for her generous support in establishing the Kampong Chheuteal and Kampong Speu Institute of Technology, and for offering ongoing scholarships to Cambodian students, totaling over 3,000 bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees, between 1995 and 2023.
Say Chhum regarded Paetongtarn Shinawatra's visit to Cambodia as a reflection of her commitment to strengthening and expanding bilateral relations, maintaining friendship, solidarity, and cooperation in line with established traditions. He underlined that the stronger and deeper the relationship between the people and countries, the greater the mutual benefits, both presently and in the future.
On this occasion, Paetongtarn Shinawatra conveyed her heartfelt appreciation to President of the Senate Say Chhum for granting the delegation the opportunity to pay a courtesy call. She briefed him on the collaborative efforts between the two countries to enhance relations and cooperation across all fields, with a particular focus on tourism, which serves as a significant driver of economic growth in the region encompassing Cambodia, Laos, Viet Nam, Malaysia, Myanmar, and Thailand.
Both sides underscored the shared monarchical political system, cultural traditions, Buddhist practices, geographical proximity, and mutual reliance on the Mekong water resources, fostering a deep bond between the two nations.
Say Chhum commended the longstanding friendship, neighbourly relations, and comprehensive cooperation between Cambodia and Thailand, which have evolved into a strategic partnership. He recalled the recent fruitful meeting between the prime ministers of both countries, which has opened numerous opportunities for bilateral relations and socio-economic development. He urged both governments to fully implement existing cooperation mechanisms to ensure stability, peace, and prosperity for their people and countries.
President of the Senate Say Chhum expressed satisfaction with the robust economic relations between Cambodia and Thailand, particularly the sustained growth in investment, tourism, and trade. He reiterated the goal of promoting trade exchanges between the two countries, aiming to reach USD 15 billion by 2025. The governments have jointly promoted tourism under the slogan "Two Kingdoms, One Destination" while also launching the second phase of the KHQR cross-border payment system to facilitate trade and cross-border tourism using local currencies, further expanding this electronic system.
He underlined the fruitful cooperation between the Cambodian Senate, the Thai Parliament, and the King Prajadhipok's Institute (KPI) through reciprocal exchanges and participation in the 30th Asia-Pacific Parliamentary Forum (APPF). He underscored that the seventh-mandate Cambodian Senate would continue forming bilateral friendship groups with the Thai Senate, urging this matter to be brought to the attention of the President of the Thai Senate.
Through Paetongtarn Shinawatra, Say Chhum also conveyed regards to the President of the Senate and the President of the Parliament of Thailand.
=FRESH NEWS
