Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister Visits Malaysia, Strengthen Bilateral Relations for 70 Years

PUTRAJAYA: Cambodia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Prak Sokhonn, will undertake a two‑day official visit to Malaysia starting today.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in a statement informed that this visit is held ahead of the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Malaysia and Cambodia in 2027, and reflects the close and enduring relationship between the two countries.

It said that Prak Sokhonn is scheduled to pay a courtesy call on the Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, and this will provide an opportunity for both sides to reaffirm the close ties that have long been established between Malaysia and Cambodia, as well as to exchange views on issues of mutual interest.

“Prak Sokhonn and the Foreign Minister, Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, will co‑chair the Third Meeting of the Joint Commission for Bilateral Cooperation (JCBC) between Malaysia and Cambodia in Kuala Lumpur tomorrow.

“The JCBC is the highest bilateral mechanism between Malaysia and Cambodia, providing a comprehensive platform to assess the overall bilateral relations and to chart the future direction of cooperation between the two countries,” he said.

Wisma Putra said that this Third Meeting is being organised after two decades since the Second JCBC Meeting was held in Siem Reap in 2006.

It said that this provides new momentum in Malaysia‑Cambodia relations and reflects both countries’ commitment to enhance bilateral cooperation.

“At the end of the Meeting, both Ministers are expected to sign the Agreed Minutes of the Third JCBC Meeting, which will record the key outcomes of the Meeting as well as renew the joint commitment of Malaysia and Cambodia to continue strengthening bilateral cooperation,” it said.

Last year, the total bilateral trade between Malaysia and Cambodia increased by 27.4 percent, reaching RM5 billion (US$1.17 billion) compared to the previous year.

Malaysia’s exports to Cambodia amounted to RM4.13 billion (US$970 million), while imports from Cambodia totalled RM0.88 billion (US$200 million).

As of 2024, Malaysia’s cumulative investment in Cambodia amounted to US$3.20 billion (RM13.07 billion), encompassing 162 registered projects, thus making Malaysia the third largest foreign investor in Cambodia.

Utusan Malaysia