Prime Minister Hun Manet (right) meets with Australian ambassador Justin Whyatt on January 22. STPM
Prime Minister Hun Manet hails the progress of Cambodia-Australia relations, noting Australia’s longstanding support for the Kingdom’s peacebuilding process and its commitment to fostering the bilateral ties.
His remarks came during his January 22 meeting with Australian ambassador to Cambodia Justin Whyatt at the Peace Palace in Phnom Penh.
During the discussions, Manet offered his appreciation for ongoing Australian support for socio-economic development, as well as its part in the peace process, according a social media post from his cabinet.
He briefed the ambassador on the first phase of his government’s Pentagonal Strategy, as well as reforms and incentives which aim to foster an optimistic investment climate in Cambodia.
The post added that Whyatt reiterated his government’s commitment to fostering bilateral relations with Cambodia, especially through collaboration in the areas of investment, trade, health, education, agriculture, the environment, climate change and defence capabilities.
In addition, both sides discussed regional and international issues of common interest, as well as how they could strengthen their respective roles in regional and global forums.
Following the meeting, Whyatt also took to social media to share his thoughts.
“Appreciated the exchange today with Hun Manet. A good discussion on bilateral and regional issues, economic resilience & growth, health, education, jobs, security and defence, democracy, ASEAN cooperation and more,” he tweeted.
Seun Sam, a policy analyst at the Royal Academy of Cambodia, echoed Manet’s remarks, noting that Australia assisted the nation-rebuilding process after the fall of the Khmer Rouge, and that diplomatic relations between the two have always been excellent.
He added that Australia is a regional power, and not very far from Cambodia. As a developed country with close ties to the US, it is a potentially large export market, as a source of assistance.
“Cambodia needs the assistance of Australia – whether in terms of education, humanitarian aid, defence support or economic markets – but Australia also needs Cambodia. The Kingdom’s position on the Mekong River is an important strategic region in Asia. Cambodia is also a member of ASEAN, meaning that it has geographic and strategic importance to the superpowers,” he explained.
Sam said that in order to foster closer bilateral relations, the two sides should seek to address any deficiencies in their relationship.
He suggested that they meet regularly to discuss any disagreements, and should refrain from issuing critical statements before speaking with each other.
Ro Vannak, co-founder of the Cambodian Institute for Democracy (CID), said the outcome of the meeting indicated that the relationship between the two countries has improved.
He noted that the ambassador’s comments indicated a “soft” approach, despite some criticism from the West over democratic issues.
“The expansion and strengthening of trade between the two countries has fostered the economic growth of Cambodia. Australia also continues to award scholarships to Cambodian students and government officials,” he said.
“Both sides should focus mainly on money laundering, trade integrity and the reduction of corruption in the business sector, in order to secure more Australian investment,” he added.
He also noted that some Australian politicians’ criticism of the Cambodian government did not appear to have influenced bilateral relations. While a few Australian parliamentarians had brought up some perceived issues, the Australian government was steadfast in applying the principles of soft power, and focused mainly on supporting economic growth.
