PHNOM PENH: Cambodia is prioritizing increased trade, investment, tourism, and especially direct flights with Türkiye, according to a press release from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.

This emphasis on direct air links comes amid a push to boost bilateral trade between the two countries to $1 billion. During a recent visit by Deputy Prime Minister Sok Chenda Sophea, both Cambodia and Türkiye agreed on the critical role direct flights would play in facilitating trade, investment, and tourism growth.

The discussions highlighted promising areas for future investment, including agriculture, education, food processing, green energy, and tourism. Establishing direct flights with Turkish Airlines is seen as a key step in unlocking this potential and achieving the ambitious trade target.

This focus on enhanced connectivity aligns well with Türkiye's “Asia Anew Initiative” for economic and trade cooperation with Asian partners. Cambodia sees this initiative as complementary to their own goals under the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP). Both sides expressed commitment to deepening cooperation on regional and international issues.