AKP Phnom Penh, June 28, 2025 — H.E. Dr. Chea Chanboribo, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Kingdom of Cambodia to the Republic of Cyprus, met with H.E. Haralambos Kafkarides, Ambassador of the Republic of Cyprus, in Sofia on June 27.

On behalf of Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation H.E. Prak Sokhonn, Ambassador Chea Chanboribo conveyed warm greetings and best wishes to Ambassador Kafkarides.

During their discussion, both sides noted with satisfaction that the relationship between Cambodia and Cyprus has significantly expanded across all sectors, with ongoing efforts to deepen bilateral and multilateral cooperation. Cambodia and Cyprus actively collaborate to strengthen friendship, enhance policy dialogue, and support each other on regional and international issues under the ASEAN-EU Strategic Partnership framework.

Ambassador Chanboribo highlighted the strong potential for tourism and financial services cooperation, noting Cyprus’s growing reputation as a developed destination in these sectors, while Cambodia continues to attract millions of tourists each year due to its rich natural and cultural heritage. Both countries share excellent opportunities to enhance tourism cooperation and expand trade based on mutual support and the establishment of direct business linkages.

In this spirit, Ambassador Chanboribo expressed Cambodia’s hope to strengthen cooperation, particularly in the field of information exchange, emphasising that information serves as a bridge to connect people and deepen friendship and mutual understanding.

He reaffirmed Cambodia’s and the Royal Government’s commitment to advancing unity and cooperation with Cyprus, expressing confidence that with continued engagement and support from Ambassador Kafkarides and relevant institutions, meaningful outcomes can be achieved for the benefit of both nations.

In reply, Ambassador Kafkarides fully supported Ambassador Chanboribo’s proposals, and both sides agreed to create opportunities for direct meetings between the chambers of commerce of Cambodia and Cyprus to foster practical cooperation, including in tourism.

On the Cambodia-Thailand border situation, Ambassador Chanboribo clarified Cambodia’s unwavering commitment to peace and cooperation, underscoring that Cambodia has no desire for conflict and has submitted the matter to the International Court of Justice (ICJ). Cambodia seeks only to protect its territory in accordance with the maps deposited by the late King-Father Norodom Sihanouk with the United Nations, based on maps drawn by France.

Ambassador Chanboribo emphasised to his Cypriot counterpart that bringing disputes before the court represents a peaceful, civilised approach to conflict resolution in a constitutional and law-abiding society. Disputes should not be resolved through revenge or the use of force but through appropriate legal processes that uphold peace and justice.

He noted that courts are the only institutions with legal authority to serve justice, acting as impartial adjudicators based on evidence and lawful procedures. Choosing to resolve disputes in court reflects the virtue of democracy and the rule of law, and contributes to lasting peace, development, and the protection of human rights.

Ambassador Chanboribo stressed that using the courts is not a sign of weakness but of development and a commitment to a legal culture within society, a method practiced daily by advanced nations to safeguard the rights and justice of their people.

Resolving disputes through legal means is the most appropriate and civilised approach in modern society, serving as a path to peace, development, and respect for human rights. 

He concluded by affirming Cambodia’s dedication to promoting and strengthening a culture of lawful dispute resolution.

By K. Rithy Reak