A combination photo of Prime Minister Hun Manet (right) and Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel Bermudez. The two leaders shared a phone conversation on September 9. HMN
Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel Bermudez pledged his commitment to continued cooperation with Cambodia in a phone conversation with Prime Minister Hun Manet on September 9.
The call came as the bonds of friendship and cooperation between the two countries have deepened in recent years, through a series of exchanges and visits by senior officials, according to a September 10 social media post by Manet.
“Diaz-Canel Bermudez reaffirmed his commitment to continued cooperation with Cambodia, basing the commitment on long-established relationships and mutual support for one another at multilateral forums,” the post announced.
The Cuban president recalled several memorandums of understanding (MoU) which had fostered the relationship of the two countries, noting they covered such varied fields as agriculture, health, education and sports.
Manet said that when Cambodia was encountering difficulties after its liberation day from the Khmer Rouge regime, Cuba had provided assistance and support.
“Their actions reflected the strong relationship, solidarity and friendship between the two countries and peoples,” he added.
He also mentioned his intention to continue the excellent cooperation in several sectors, as well as to explore potential new areas for collaboration.
“We have pushed for the third political consultation between our respective foreign ministries to be held soon, in order to encourage the implementation of the MoUs we have already exchanged,” he said.
Yang Peou, secretary-general of the Royal Academy of Cambodia, hailed the traditional relationship between Cambodia and Cuba, noting that the two countries have often assisted one another to date.
“Cambodia must maintain its old friendships, as well as developing new ones. Cuba is an old friend, so Cambodia must further strengthen its friendship and expand cooperation in the sectors where it has not yet done so,” he added.
He believed that the Kingdom’s diplomatic policies were even more crucial to counter any changes to the new world order.
During the conversation, the Cuban president also invited Manet to pay a formal visit to Cuba at an appropriate time.
Manet gratefully accepted the invitation, saying he looked forward to it and would establish a suitable timeline for the visit soon.
