AKP Phnom Penh, July 18, 2025 --

The Kingdom of Cambodia and Republic of Korea have reaffirmed their commitment to strategic partnership.

According to the National Assembly, the affirmation was made while Samdech Maha Rathsapheathika Thipadei Khuon Sudary, President of the National Assembly of the Kingdom of Cambodia, was receiving a farewell courtesy call from H.E. Dr. Park Jung-Wook, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Korea to Cambodia, on Thursday at the National Assembly Palace.

Samdech Khuon Sudary expressed deep appreciation for Ambassador Park’s dedicated service, noting his instrumental role in elevating Cambodia-ROK relations to the level of a Strategic Partnership.

She emphasised that this milestone reflects a foundation of mutual trust, respect, understanding, and a shared commitment to long-term cooperation.

Samdech extended heartfelt thanks for ROK’s longstanding support for Cambodia’s post-conflict reconstruction and socio-economic development, by highlighting the upcoming construction of the Cambodia–Korea Friendship Bridge as a tangible symbol of enduring friendship, and expecting to significantly enhance connectivity and improve local livelihoods.

Recalling the vitality of recent high-level exchanges, Samdech pointed to the visits of former Korean National Assembly Speaker H.E. Kim Jin-Pyo in September 2023 and former President H.E. Yoon Suk Yeol in November 2022.

She also underscored the historical bonds between the two nations dating back to 1960 and expressed hope for a deeper collaboration in culture, education, tourism, and trade—drawing cultural parallels between the ancient civilisations of Silla and Angkor.

Samdech Khuon Sudary also called for continued support in strengthening parliamentary cooperation, and requested assistance in securing scholarships and training opportunities to advance the National Assembly’s e-parliament system and enhance digital capabilities.

She further highlighted the importance of revitalising the Cambodia–Korea Parliamentary Friendship Group to foster sustained dialogue and cooperation between the two legislatures.

Regarding regional issues, Samdech briefed the Ambassador on the ongoing Cambodia–Thailand border situation, and reaffirmed Cambodia’s commitment to maintaining a peaceful, cooperative, and development-oriented border policy, despite Thailand’s unilateral closure of certain areas.

She noted that, following the fatal armed incident on May 28, 2025 in the Mom Bei area, Cambodia had submitted a case to the International Court of Justice (ICJ), covering four disputed sites—Mom Bei, Ta Moan Thom, Ta Moan Tauch, and Ta Krabei Temples—citing historical treaties and international law as the legal basis for resolution.

Ambassador Park, in turn, said he was honored to have served in Cambodia since January 2023. He thanked the Cambodian leadership for their strong cooperation and warm hospitality, and cited the summit between Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet and South Korean leaders as a key highlight of his tenure.

He noted significant progress in trade, investment, labour, and political cooperation, and expressed optimism for further development in labour relations.

The Ambassador also praised Samdech Khuon Sudary’s leadership in parliamentary diplomacy and recognised Cambodia’s growing visibility and influence on the global stage.

Concerning Cambodia-Thailand border issue, Ambassador Park expressed hope for a peaceful and diplomatic settlement to the dispute and conveyed his optimism that the Korean Parliament would positively consider future cooperation initiatives, including a Memorandum of Understanding and a possible invitation for Samdech Khuon Sudary to visit ROK in her convenient time.

Both parties agreed to maintain momentum through continued high-level exchanges and to accelerate key bilateral projects, including the timely implementation of the Cambodia–Korea Friendship Bridge.

The meeting concluded with warm expressions of friendship and a shared vision for continued peace, prosperity, and partnership between Cambodia and ROK.

By L Vy