Cambodia and Greece plan to set up bilateral consultations to develop a framework to discuss common priority issues in areas such as politics, diplomacy, economy, trade, investment and socio-cultural factors.

A memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed to this end on July 8 by Cambodian ambassador to Thailand Ouk Sorphorn and his Greek counterpart Nikolaos Kaimenakis in the Thai capital Bangkok.

Citing “good” Cambodia-Greece relations, Sorphorn expressed confidence that the MoU would provide an opportunity for both countries to further strengthen and expand their amicable ties.

“This memorandum will also further deepen cooperation on key priority areas in the future,” he said.

On the occasion, Kaimenakis said Greece and Cambodia have had long-standing relations, but noted that the countries had yet to explore major mutual advantages.

“Today’s signing ceremony is the beginning of a sit-down to discuss potential areas where the two countries need to work together and look at the challenges that the two countries can address.

“We would like to see the two countries be able to hold consultative meetings in the near future,” he said.

Forming the southern tip of the Balkan Peninsula, Greece lies at the confluence of the Aegean, Ionian and Mediterranean seas, in Southeast Europe.

Given its geographical location, the EU member state boasts great potential as an international logistics hub and strategic transit point for trade between Europe, Asia and Africa.

Cambodia and Greece established diplomatic relations on April 8, 1996.