A senior delegation from the Commonwealth of Dominica led by foreign minister Vince Henderson is paying an official visit to Cambodia to strengthen diplomatic relations and cooperation.

During the March 22-24 visit, Henderson – Minister for Foreign Affairs, International Business, Trade and Energy – will meet with acting foreign minister Ouch Borith to discuss various issues of common interest, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.

“Cambodia offers a warm welcome to the Dominican foreign minister on his first official visit,” it said in a March 21 press release.

“[Henderson and Borith] will touch on various aspects of bilateral, regional and international cooperation. Following the meeting, an agreement will be signed between the two governments on the exemption of visa requirements for holders of diplomatic and service/official passports,” it added.

Yang Peou, secretary-general of the Royal Academy of Cambodia, said he was pleased to hear that diplomatic ties between the two are improving.

He explained that even though Dominica is a small island nation in the Caribbean Ocean, it still marks a diplomatic achievement.

“Establishing closer contacts with any new nation is significant. This reflects Cambodia’s growing influence in the world. No matter how large or small this country is, we should develop the relationship,” he said.

“Dominica has strong connections with several of its neighbours, so this relationship has the potential to become even more significant,” he added.