Phnom Penh (FN), Sep. 5 – Pakistani Ambassador to Cambodia Zaheeruddin Babar Thaheem paid a courtesy call on Cambodian Minister of Environment Eang Sophalleth on 3 September 2024. During the meeting, the ambassador praised the leadership of the Royal Government, noting the significant progress made over the past year, particularly in the environmental sector. He also highlighted the active participation of Cambodian citizens in reducing plastic pollution.

In the meeting, the ambassador pointed out that climate change has led to devastating floods in Pakistan in 2022, resulting in property damage and loss of life. In response, Pakistan aims to engage more on the international stage, particularly with Cambodia, to foster closer cooperation between the two countries in addressing climate change.

During the meeting, Minister Eang Sophalleth outlined Cambodia's environmental strategy, emphasizing the success of the "Today I Do Not Use Plastic Bags" campaign. This initiative has contributed to a cleaner Cambodia, with over 8.5 million students, teachers, monks, workers, citizens, development partners, and related institutions participating in efforts to maintain clean schools, pagodas, villages, communities, and cities—an achievement that is a source of national pride.

Sophalleth also discussed the "Clean Cambodia, Khmer Can Do" campaign, launched by the Ministry of Environment to reduce plastic waste at the local level. The goal is for Cambodia plastic free by 2025. Following the cleanup efforts, the country plans to enhance its greenery by planting more trees.

Lastly, the minister noted that over the past year, the Ministry of Environment has distributed more than 1.3 million trees to the public as part of the national strategy to expand forest cover to over 60% by 2050. This increased greenery is expected to attract tourists and create opportunities for green investors to invest in Cambodia, further promoting green financing for local and social development.
=FRESH NEWS