MFA Press Statement: Introductory Visit by Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Vivian Balakrishnan to the Kingdom of Cambodia, 17 October 2017

Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Vivian Balakrishnan and Senior Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Prak Sokhonn signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on the establishment of bilateral consultations between the respective Foreign Ministries. [Credit: MFA, Singapore]

Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Vivian Balakrishnan and Prime Minister Hun Sen. [Credit: MFA, Singapore]

Royal audience with His Majesty King Norodom Sihamoni. [Credit: Ministry of Royal Palace, Cambodia]

                Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Vivian Balakrishnan made an introductory visit to the Kingdom of Cambodia on 17 October 2017.

                Minister Balakrishnan was granted an audience with His Majesty King Norodom Sihamoni at the Royal Palace in Phnom Penh. During the audience, both sides reaffirmed the warm and longstanding ties between Singapore and Cambodia, underpinned by expanding economic and cultural links, tourism flows and growing people to people relations. 

                Minister Balakrishnan called on his counterpart Senior Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Prak Sokhonn, who also hosted lunch. The Ministers discussed ways to broaden bilateral cooperation in areas such as education and training, healthcare, culture, and civil aviation. The Ministers noted that the Avoidance of Double Taxation Agreement that was signed in May 2016 would come into effect by 2018, further promoting business and investments. The Ministers also exchanged views on regional developments, and emphasised the importance of upholding ASEAN centrality and unity.  Minister Prak Sokhonn expressed Cambodia’s support for Singapore’s Chairmanship of ASEAN in 2018.  The Ministers signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on the establishment of bilateral consultations between the respective Foreign Ministries which would strengthen dialogue and cooperation.

                Minister Balakrishnan also called on Prime Minister Hun Sen this afternoon. Prime Minister Hun Sen welcomed the growing economic ties, and expressed appreciation for Singapore’s support of Cambodia’s capacity building and human resource development. They had a wide ranging discussion on developments in Cambodia, as well as regional and international issues.

                Minister Balakrishnan also met Senior Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance Dr Aun Pornmoniroth over tea, and was hosted to dinner by Minister of Environment Say Samal.

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MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
SINGAPORE
17 OCTOBER 2017