PHNOM PENH: Cambodia and Australia are determined to promote their bilateral cooperation in the tourism sector, especially the establishment of direct flights between the two countries to attract more Australian tourists and investors to Cambodia.

The determination was made by H.E. Thong Khon, Cambodian Minister of Tourism, and H.E. Justin Kevin Whyatt, Australian Ambassador to Cambodia, during their meeting here at the ministry yesterday afternoon.

H.E. Thong Khon further sought the Australian side's assistance in the conservation of Mekong dolphins in Kratie province, the development of potential tourism and ecotourism communities in Cambodia, the enhancement of human resources in the tourism sector, and the strengthening of training techniques of the National Institute of Tourism and tourism education establishments.

In reply, the new Australian ambassador pledged to continue to expand cooperation in all areas, particularly tourism, between Australia and Cambodia.

H.E. Justin Kevin Whyatt said he will do his best to have Cambodia-Australia direct flight connection during his diplomatic tenure. Cambodia received more than 100,000 Australian tourists before the COVID-19 crisis.