PHNOM PENH: Cambodia and Canada have highlighted the steady growth of bilateral cooperation during a courtesy call by Canadian Ambassador H.E. Christian DesRoches on Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation H.E. Prak Sokhonn.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, during the meeting held at the Ministry on Jan. 22, H.E. Deputy Prime Minister warmly welcomed Ambassador DesRoches and congratulated him on his appointment. He expressed satisfaction with the growing momentum in bilateral relations and highlighted several positive developments, including the elevation of Canada’s diplomatic presence in Cambodia to a full-fledged Embassy, the opening of the Honorary Consulate in Siem Reap, increasing two-way trade, and recent exchanges of trade mission delegations.
The Cambodian top diplomat also welcomed the successful first round of Bilateral Consultations held in Ottawa in 2024 and looked forward to the second round, scheduled to be convened in Phnom Penh in February. The upcoming consultations are expected to further explore avenues for strengthening cooperation in areas such as trade and investment, demining, consular affairs, tourism, and preparations for the 2026 Francophonie Summit.
For his part, Ambassador DesRoches expressed Canada’s strong support for Cambodia’s hosting of the 2026 Francophonie Summit and reaffirmed Canada’s commitment to expanding collaboration between the two countries. Both sides exchanged views on further deepening Cambodia-Canada relations for the mutual benefit of their countries and peoples.
During the discussion, H.E. PRAK Sokhonn also briefed the Ambassador on recent developments concerning the Cambodia-Thailand border issue and reiterated Cambodia’s firm commitment to the ceasefire.