Minister of Interior Sar Sokha shakes hands with Timor-Leste ambassador to Cambodia Ermenegildo Kupa Lopes during a meeting on February 19. INTERIOR MINISTRY
Minister of Interior Sar Sokha has proposed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Timor-Leste to bolster police resources and strengthen security cooperation in response to shared concerns about transnational organised crime.
Sokha’s intentions were conveyed during a meeting with Timor-Leste ambassador to Cambodia Ermenegildo Kupa Lopes on February 19, as announced on the ministry’s social media.
During the meeting, Sokha acknowledged the efforts of both parties, including the Timor-Leste embassy in Cambodia.
He highlighted their cooperation across various fields such as trade, investment, tourism and security, in a collaboration that dates back to the previous government, particularly under the stewardship of then-interior minister Sar Kheng.
“[Sokha] also congratulated Timor-Leste, as ASEAN leaders have agreed in principle to admit Timor-Leste as the 11th member of ASEAN at the 40th and 41st ASEAN Summit, with Cambodia chairing ASEAN in 2022,” stated the ministry.
Lopes expressed confidence in Sokha’s ability to maintain security, public order and social stability in his role as interior minister.
According to the ministry, the discussions also covered concerns about transnational crime. Both sides found common ground in their demand for heightened regional cooperation and are hopeful that such collaboration would foster greater prosperity for both countries.
Sokha emphasised the importance of the MoU, which would enable the sharing of law enforcement information between the two nations.
Seng Vanly, a lecturer of international relations and a regional political observer, said the strengthening of cooperation between Cambodia and Timor-Leste is noteworthy, especially as the island nation enhances its relations with ASEAN members in various fields, particularly security and international crime, which are significant issues within the bloc.
“Timor-Leste is also at risk of cyber-attacks and has limited response capacity. Their defence sector is still weak, which necessitates cooperation and learning from the region,” he said.
He noted that Cambodia has been a staunch ally of Timor-Leste since the era of former Prime Minister Hun Sen, who supported its bid to join ASEAN.
Vanly believes that security cooperation between the two nations is beneficial for combating transnational crime, as the Kingdom has faced international criticism over the issue.
