(Phnom Penh): The Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia, Muhammad Anis Matta, undertook a series of productive engagements during his working visit to Phnom Penh on 1 December 2025. His program included meetings with Ung Rachana, Secretary of State of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Cambodia, and Neak Oknha Datuk Othsman Hassan, Senior Minister in Charge of Special Mission.

In charge of overseeing Indonesia’s engagement with Muslim communities around the world, Vice Minister Anis Matta took the opportunity to deepen his understanding of Cambodia, including the potential for Muslim-world engagement in the country's national development and foreign policy.

During the meeting with Secretary of State Rachana, both sides discussed ways to expand cooperation in trade, tourism, and investment. They also explored collaboration in the halal industry and support for small and medium-sized businesses. Vice Minister Anis Matta noted that more flights from Middle Eastern airlines to Cambodia show the country’s growing importance to Muslim-majority nations.

The two officials also discussed the issue of Indonesian citizens involved in online scam syndicates in Cambodia. They agreed that stronger joint efforts are needed to fight transnational crimes, including online scams.

During talks with Senior Minister Othsman Hassan, Vice Minister Anis Matta expressed applauded the Cambodian government for its continued, caring attention to the country's Muslim community. The meeting also underscored the importance of enhancing people-to-people ties, particularly through education cooperation among Muslim communities.

Vice Minister Anis Matta encouraged more Cambodian students to pursue higher education in Indonesia, taking advantage of scholarships provided by the Indonesian Government and Indonesian universities. He also raised the idea of establishing an Indonesian center in Cambodia as a platform to promote cultural and education exchanges.

The visit was capped off by a dinner organized by the Indonesian Embassy, which was attended by about 25 leaders of the Cambodian Muslim community, including senators, parliamentarians, and senior officials. Vice Minister Anis Matta described the event as a valuable moment of silaturahim—a way to strengthen warm and lasting relationships.
=FRESH NEWS