AKP Phnom Penh, October 11, 2025 --

Deputy Prime Minister H.E. Sok Chenda Sophea met in Brussels this week with H.E. Mr. Josef Sikela, European Commissioner for International Partnerships.

The meeting, ahead of the Global Gateway Forum from Oct. 9 to 10, discussed strengthening Cambodia–European Union cooperation.

H.E. Mr. Sikela highly valued the significant progress in collaboration between the European Union and Cambodia.

He reaffirmed the EU’s steadfast commitment to promoting Cambodia’s economic diversification and skilled job creation in pursuit of national aspirations.

The commissioner reiterated the EU’s readiness and determination to deepen engagement with Cambodia through the effective implementation of its Global Gateway Initiative, thereby fostering stronger, more sustainable, and mutually beneficial partnerships.

H.E. Sok Chenda Sophea expressed deep appreciation to the EU for its continued partnership in Cambodia’s development — particularly in trade, investment, connectivity, and human resource development — and its support of 700,000 euros (810,000 dollars) to assist persons displaced by the border conflict.    

He appreciated the Global Gateway Initiative for addressing Cambodia’s key priorities in education, clean water, and health care, reaffirming  the nation’s resilience in agriculture and disaster management.

The Deputy Prime Minister called for greater EU support for value-added production and renewable energy, stressing the importance of foreign direct investment in Cambodia as it prepares to graduate from the status of least developed country in 2029.

The two sides concluded their meeting in a positive and forward-looking spirit, reinforcing the Cambodia–EU partnership based on mutual trust and a shared vision for sustainable development.

By Sao Da