AKP Phnom Penh, June 09, 2025 -- Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet held talks this morning (Nice time) with H.E. António Costa, President of the European Council (EC), on the sidelines of the Third United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3) in Nice, France.

H.E. António Costa praised the strong relations between the European Union (EU) and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), as well as the EU’s ongoing cooperation with ASEAN member states, including Cambodia.

He commended Cambodia's efforts in developing its legal framework, particularly the recent advancement of the Fisheries Law, and expressed a strong interest in further deepening relations and cooperation with the Kingdom. He also recognised Cambodia's broader development achievements.

In response, Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet expressed gratitude for the EU’s contributions to Cambodia’s socio-economic development through various joint projects. He voiced hope that the EU would continue to be a strong partner, especially as Cambodia prepares to graduate from Least Developed Country (LDC) status by 2029.

Addressing challenges in the fisheries sector, the Prime Minister noted that Cambodia has implemented several concrete measures, including the promotion of the Fisheries Law. The law has already passed the National Assembly and is currently under review by the Senate.

He further highlighted Cambodia’s commitment to sustainable development, including its goal to increase the share of renewable energy to 70 percent by 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2050—despite being a low emitter of carbon dioxide.

Samdech Thipadei emphasised that, amid global uncertainty, Cambodia remains committed to liberalisation and multilateralism. He stressed that the use of military force is not a priority in Cambodian policy, as the country—having endured decades of civil war—deeply understands the lasting consequences of conflict, particularly the devastation caused by landmines and unexploded ordnance.

The Prime Minister also accepted President Costa’s invitation to visit the EU headquarters in Brussels at a mutually convenient time to further discuss opportunities to strengthen and expand Cambodia-EU relations and cooperation.

By C. Nika