South Korean president Yoon Suk-Yeol (right) and Senate president Hun Sen shake hands during their meeting on September 11 in Seoul, South Korea. Hun Sen via social media
Senate president Hun Sen has requested South Korean president Yoon Suk-Yeol to consider upgrading Cambodia-Korea relations to a “comprehensive strategic partnership” within the next three years, as the two countries prepare to celebrate their 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations.
He made the remarks during a meeting with Yoon on September 11, on the sidelines of the World Knowledge Forum in Seoul, South Korea.
“The Senate president stated that in three years, as we celebrate the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between our two countries, he asked president Yoon to consider upgrading the relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership,” stated a post on Hun Sen’s social media on the same day.
Cambodia and South Korea had previously elevated bilateral relations to a “strategic partnership” in May during Prime Minister Hun Manet's visit to Seoul.
Hun Sen expressed gratitude to the Korean government for its support during the global challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic, noting that South Korea was the only country that maintained flights with Cambodia while many others closed their borders.
He also thanked Korea for its contributions to rebuilding and developing Cambodia, including the construction and repair of National Roads 3, 48 and 21, among other infrastructure projects.
Additionally, Hun Sen acknowledged Korea’s acceptance of Cambodian workers, which he said would contribute to the country’s development by bringing back technology and knowledge.
“The Senate president also expressed hope that Yoon would increase the quota for Cambodian workers in Korea,” said the post.
Thong Mengdavid, a lecturer at the Royal University of Phnom Penh’s Institute for International Studies, highlighted the development of Cambodia-Korea relations as a reflection of the strong and strategic partnership between the two nations.
He noted that Korea has played a significant role in supporting Cambodia’s economic development through various aid initiatives, investment from Korean companies and providing employment opportunities for Cambodian workers in Korea.
“Cambodia firmly expects and intends to expand cooperation with Korea, which will help boost trade, investment, people-to-people connections, cultural exchanges and other forms of social development assistance," Mengdavid told The Post on September 12.
"This expanded cooperation will enhance infrastructure, modernise education and vocational training, foster technology and innovation and increase tourism in Cambodia, contributing to productivity, economic growth, industrial development and improving the skills of Cambodian people,” he added.
Mengdavid noted that Cambodia will also benefit from increased military support and assistance from Korea, particularly in building military capabilities in areas like cybersecurity and counterterrorism, by learning from Korea’s experience and best practices.
He emphasised that beyond bilateral cooperation, the two nations are key players in promoting regional prosperity, development, security and stability.
