AKP Phnom Penh, May 19, 2025 --

Samdech Maha Rathsapheathika Thipadei Khuon Sudary, President of the National Assembly of Cambodia, granted a courtesy call to H.E. Ms. Frances Adamson AC, State Governor of South Australia, Australia on May 19 at the National Assembly Palace.

In the meeting, Samdech Khuon Sudary warmly welcomed the Governor and noted that her visit reflects a strong commitment to deepening bilateral relations, especially in education.

Samdech commended the Governor’s leadership as a symbol of Australia’s dedication to promoting gender equality and empowering women at all levels.

Samdech expressed heartfelt thanks for Australia’s historic support in Cambodia’s peace process, recalling that General John Sanderson led 500 peacekeepers through the United Nations Transitional Authority in Cambodia (UNTAC), helping to restore peace and stability.

For her part, Governor Adamson reflected the relationship has matured into a close and resilient partnership. She acknowledged Australia’s continued support through past challenges and emphasised the importance of ongoing cooperation.

She highlighted strong people-to-people connections and mutual potential, stating that both countries are active and well-connected. She affirmed that bilateral and regional collaboration will continue to grow, supported by shared values and dynamic leadership on both sides.

“We are active nations with strong connections. Many Australians know Cambodia, and many Cambodians know Australia. Our Prime Ministers are active leaders, and we continue to explore ways to work together—bilaterally and within the region,” she said.

Governor Adamson discussed Australia's innovation-driven education model, particularly in South Australia, where universities maintain close links with industry. This integration helps students gain practical skills, ensuring they are workforce-ready upon graduation.

She also proposed enhanced cooperation in technical and vocational education and training (TVET), offering Cambodian students the opportunities to pursue advanced training at South Australian universities, further strengthening education ties between the two countries.

Samdech Khuon Sudary expressed sincere gratitude for Australia’s long-standing support in human resource development. Between 1994 and 2024, 1,073 Cambodian students received Australian scholarships, including 62 in 2025 alone—over 60 percent of whom were women.

Samdech Khuon Sudary emphasised that Australian university life offers quality education, strong industry links, and career opportunities. This environment shapes Cambodian students into globally minded professionals, fostering deeper bilateral ties and sustained development partnerships.

“Many scholarship recipients now serve in key roles, including within the National Assembly,” Samdech stated. “They bring valuable knowledge, ethics, and professionalism, and contribute significantly to Cambodia’s national development and institutional capacity.”

Both sides also exchanged views on economic cooperation.
Samdech highlighted the Royal Government’s strong commitment to economic growth under Prime Minister Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet.

In 2024, Cambodia–Australia bilateral trade reached approximately US$599 million, with continued momentum into March 2025 at US$152 million.

Governor Adamson also underscored Australia’s leadership in renewable energy, contributing 1 percent globally. She expressed optimism for deeper energy cooperation with Cambodia, particularly in sustainability and innovation.

By Chea Vannak