Canberra, July 9 (AseanAll)  — Australian Foreign Minister Mrs. Penny Wong has announced the appointment of Derek Yip as new Ambassador of Australia to Cambodia in replacement of Justin Whyatt.

Derek Yip 

“Today I announce the appointment of Mr. Derek Yip as Australia’s next Ambassador to the Kingdom of Cambodia”, said Penny Wong in a media release on July 3,2024.

Australia has a longstanding relationship with Cambodia, an important regional partner and valued member of ASEAN, she said, reaffirming Australia’s commitment to working with Cambodia to support ASEAN’s vital contribution to peace, prosperity and security in the region.

“Cambodia has one of the fastest growing economies in the region. Increasing Australia’s trade and investment links with Cambodia is a priority under the government’s Invested: Australia’s Southeast Asia Economic Strategy to 2040,” the media release stated.

Australia and Cambodia cooperate closely on promoting inclusive and sustainable development, including in the health, infrastructure and agriculture sectors, and on important issues such as peacekeeping and combating transnational crime, the source underlined.

“Our relationship is underpinned by strong people-to-people ties. Australia is home to more than 57,000 people of Cambodian heritage,” Penny Wong said.

Derek Yip is a senior career officer with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Australia and was most recently Assistant Secretary of the East Asia Political Branch. He has previously served overseas on two postings to China.

“I thank former Ambassador Justin Whyatt for his contributions to advancing Australia’s interests in Cambodia,” concluding the Australian foreign minister.