PHNOM PENH: The European Union (EU) has become Cambodia’s fifth largest trading partner, reaffirming its commitment to provide €1.43 billion in support of the country, as outlined in the “European Development Strategy 2021-2027”.

This confirmation was made during a meeting between Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Prak Sokhon and Ambassador of the European Union to Cambodia Carmen Moreno, whose term ends on August 16, 2023.

Deputy Prime Minister Sokhon highlighted the significant development of Cambodia-EU relations over the past four years, especially in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. He expressed his gratitude for the EU’s cooperative efforts to help rebuild Cambodia after the war.

Both sides noted differences of opinion on specific issues but expressed satisfaction over the recent significant developments in Cambodia-EU cooperation, including the frequent high-level dialogues that have promoted better understanding.

The EU has become Cambodia’s fifth largest trading partner, and has reaffirmed its commitment to provide €1.43 billion in support of the country, as outlined in the “European Development Strategy 2021-2027”.

In addition, the two sides look forward to attending the 12th meeting of the Cambodia-EU Joint Commission to be held in Brussels this year to set out an action plan to further strengthen multilateral cooperation.

Ambassador Moreno praised Cambodia’s ability to chair ASEAN throughout 2022, including the successful ASEAN-EU Summit, which took place in December 2022.