The Ministry of Interior is in the process of reviewing a draft memorandum of understanding (MoU) which focuses on law enforcement cooperation with its Nigerian counterparts.

The preliminary draft of the document is the result of discussions between former interior minister Sar Kheng and Nigerian ambassador Folakemi Akinleye in 2022.

The review was conducted in a September 25 meeting led by ministry undersecretary of state Ouch Channora, according to a ministry social media post.

The MoU aims to address various issues including immigration law, transnational crime, terrorism and drugs, and weapon and human trafficking.

Yang Peou, secretary-general of the Royal Academy of Cambodia, lauded the initiative, describing it as a positive step in enhancing international collaboration.

“This will open the door to law enforcement cooperation between the two countries,” he said.

He highlighted the MoU’s importance in tackling future challenges, despite the geographical distance between Cambodia and the west African nation.

“Legal cooperation between the two countries will be mutually beneficial and provide a fundamental framework for working together,” he said.

Kang Rithkiry, a lecturer in law and former defence co-lawyer at the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia (ECCC) commonly known as the Khmer Rouge tribunal, commended the collaboration, noting that increasing numbers of Nigerians are travelling to the Kingdom. He said the partnership would help prevent any potential criminal activities.