PHNOM PENH — Outgoing German Ambassador Stefan Messerer has strongly endorsed Cambodia as a safe and highly attractive tourist destination, pointing to the country’s vast untapped potential to welcome more international travelers.
The declaration was made yesterday, during a farewell courtesy call paid by the Ambassador to Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia, at the Peace Palace. Ambassador Messerer emphasized that tourism, alongside economics, trade, and agriculture, remains a primary pillar where Germany and Cambodia can significantly expand their future cooperation.
A Legacy of Honest Dialogue and Cooperation
Reflecting on his diplomatic mission, Ambassador Messerer expressed deep satisfaction with the steady progress of bilateral relations. He thanked the Royal Government of Cambodia for its warm support and highlighted that the two nations have successfully established themselves as open, honest dialogue partners. He noted that high-level delegation exchange visits have successfully deepened political and economic ties, setting a strong foundation for long-term growth.
In response, the Prime Minister highly praised the Ambassador’s active role in fostering closer ties between the two countries. He welcomed the expanding cooperation, particularly in education and training, and agreed that both nations must continue to leverage public-private partnerships to boost trade.
Driving Agricultural Exports
During the meeting, the Prime Minister also briefed the Ambassador on Cambodia’s key economic strategies, particularly in the agricultural sector. The government is actively investing in policies to boost the domestic processing of strategic agricultural products—specifically premium Cambodian rice and cashew nuts—to accelerate exports to international markets, including Europe.
Commitment to Regional Peace
Before concluding the meeting, the Prime Minister provided an update on the latest developments regarding the Cambodia-Thailand border situation. He reaffirmed Cambodia’s unwavering commitment to resolving all border matters peacefully and diplomatically, strictly adhering to international law and existing bilateral treaties. Ambassador Messerer affirmed that Germany fully supports this peaceful, law-based approach to regional stability.