Phnom Penh,January 3 (AseanAll)  — Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Prak Sokhonn,  received a courtesy call by Australian Ambassador to Cambodia Derek Yip on January 2,2025.

The foreign minister recalled with appreciation Australia's significant contributions to Cambodia's peace process and socio-economic development. He noted with optimism the growing trade and investment between the two countries, and the increasing support in Australia for Cambodia's agricultural products, such as rice and fish. He reaffirmed Cambodia's commitment to further deepen cooperation between the two nations, which has now transformed from “donor” to “development partner”.

Both sides were pleased with the enhanced people-to-people connections through educational exchanges, increased Australian Awards Scholarships and community relations. They noted with satisfaction the successful convening of the fourth Senior Officials Talks (SOTs) between the two Foreign Ministries last April in Phnom Penh. 

Both sides emphasised the importance of maintaining frequent high-level exchanges and engagements, such as during Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's visit to Cambodia for the ASEAN Summit in 2022, and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet's trip to Australia for the ASEAN-Australia Special Summit in March last year.

Prak Sokhonn thanked Australia for its continued Official Development Assistance to Cambodia, which has been pivotal in areas such as demining, agriculture, and education. Prak Sokhonn and Yip also discussed cooperation on security and defence, especially in tackling transnational crime. They also touched on regional and international developments and on further strengthening cooperation under the ASEAN framework."