The new ambassadors meet with foreign minister Sok Chenda Sophea on August 28. MFAIC
Sok Chenda Sophea, deputy prime minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, has encouraged seven newly appointed ambassadors to take an active role in promoting economic and cultural diplomacy.
He highlighted that these efforts align with the foreign policy aims of the new government.
According to an August 29 ministry press release, Chenda Sophea met with the seven new ambassadors for an August 28 farewell meeting at ministry headquarters.
During the meeting, he congratulated the Kingdom’s latest diplomats, who have been appointed on missions to France, Germany, the UK, Zambia, Turkiye, Indonesia and Laos.
“All of you should work to represent the nation and enhance the Kingdom’s prestige, especially in areas like diplomacy, economics, food, sports and the arts. These are the focus of the new government’s foreign policy,” he said.
“I will do my best to support each of Cambodia’s embassies and permanent representatives abroad, in order for them to achieve a high level of efficiency in their work,” he added.
Seng Vanly, a professor of international relations, noted that while boosting economic diplomacy is commendable, its implementation can be challenging.
He observed that Cambodia appears to be progressing at a slower pace in this area compared to countries like Vietnam.
He noted however, that the prospects for economic diplomacy may improve, given that the new foreign affairs minister brings a wealth of economic skills and experience to the role.
“There could be three major obstacles to the new government’s successful deployment of economic diplomacy. The first is the perception of the seventh-term government by some western nations. The second involves geopolitical challenges, particularly as Cambodia maintains a close relationship with China, which raises concerns among countries that view Cambodia through the lens of Chinese strategy,” he said.
“Thirdly, the issue of money laundering, cybercrime and online fraud is a concern that gives many foreign investors pause before investing in the country,” he added.
He recommended that the new government consider diversifying its efforts to regain credibility and international recognition, particularly from western nations. Additionally, he advised striking a balanced approach in foreign relations, avoiding an overreliance on trade with any single global power.
