AKP Phnom Penh, July 02, 2025 --

Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet held talks this morning at the Peace Palace in Phnom Penh with H.E. Abdullah bin Mohammed bin Ibrahim Al-Sheikh, Speaker of the Shura Council of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, who is on an official visit to Cambodia.

H.E. Al-Sheikh expressed his gratitude to the Royal Government of Cambodia for the warm and friendly hospitality extended to him and his delegation during their first official visit to the Kingdom. He described the visit as productive and fruitful.

He emphasised that the legislative bodies of both nations would continue to promote stronger and more prosperous relations. He also highlighted that the official invitation extended to Samdech Maha Rathsapheathika Thipadei Khuon Sudary, President of the National Assembly of Cambodia, to visit Saudi Arabia marks a new chapter in bilateral parliamentary diplomacy.

H.E. Al-Sheikh also briefed Samdech Thipadei on Saudi Arabia’s recent development progress, while expressing his view that Cambodia is a nation with long-term vision and inclusive growth potential.

For his part, Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet warmly welcomed the Speaker’s visit, noting that this high-level exchange reflects the growing strength of Cambodia–Saudi Arabia relations and contributes to broader cooperation between the two nations.

The Prime Minister thanked the Saudi government for its ongoing support of the Islamic community in Cambodia, particularly through the provision of scholarships for Cambodian Muslim students to pursue higher education in Saudi Arabia.

He also expressed satisfaction with the expanding ties between the two countries, both at the government and legislative levels. Samdech Thipadei recalled the Royal Government of Cambodia’s proactive policy to enhance relations with Middle Eastern countries, including Saudi Arabia, with a focus on boosting trade.

He highlighted the ASEAN–GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) Summit held in May 2025 in Malaysia as a significant opportunity for enhancing trade relations between Southeast Asia and the Middle East.

During their meeting, the two leaders also exchanged views on ways to strengthen cooperation in several key areas, including trade, agriculture, culture, tourism, and aviation.

By Heng Panha