H.E. PRAK Sokhonn, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation extended congratulations to H.E. Ms. Carmen MORENO, departing Ambassador of the European Union (EU) to Cambodia for her exemplary efforts and success in her diplomatic tenure in the Kingdom.
This sentiment was shared during her farewell call here at the Ministry on Aug. 16, according a press release of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation released after the meeting.
Deputy Prime Minister PRAK Sokhonn underscored the significant advancement of the Cambodia-EU relationship over the past four years notably during the complex backdrop of the Covid-19 pandemic. Ambassador MORENO engaged in facilitating development assistance from the EU and its member states including vaccines, grants, and loans totaling € 499 million directed towards mitigating the pandemic’s impact and aiding socio-economic recovery
Deputy Prime Minister PRAK Sokhonn reflected with gratitude on the EU’s collaborative endeavours in assisting Cambodia’s post-conflict recovery. The partnership encompassed a range of initiatives namely infrastructure restoration, agricultural development, displacement management, human capital, and landmine clearance, contributing to remarkable socio-economic advancement within the Kingdom.
Noting divergent perspectives on specific matters, both sides expressed satisfaction with the recent remarkable evolution of Cambodia-EU cooperation including the frequent high-level dialogues fostering better understanding and improved perception on the Kingdom. The good heritage forms a solid basis for a diversified future partnership. The EU has become the fifth-largest trading partner of Cambodia and reaffirmed its commitment of about €1.43 billion to supporting Cambodia as outlined in the “Joint European Development Strategy 2021-2027”. Additionally, they look forward to the 12th Cambodia-EU Joint Committee Meeting to be held later this year in Brussels, which will chart a course of action to further strengthen the multifaceted collaboration.
Ambassador MORENO lauded Cambodia’s adept stewardship of ASEAN throughout 2022 including the successful ASEAN-EU Commemorative Summit held last December.
