Cambodia’s Acting Head of State, Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen, today welcomed Canada’s decision to re-establish a resident embassy in Phnom Penh, calling the move a clear and tangible signal of Canada’s “renewed attention to, and commitment toward,” its relationship with Cambodia.
The remarks were delivered by Senate spokesman Chea Thyith following a courtesy call by H.E. Christian DesRoches, Canada’s newly appointed Ambassador to the Kingdom of Cambodia, at the Senate Palace here on Dec. 2.
During the meeting, Samdrch Techo Hun Sen, also President of the Senate, expressed confidence that Ambassador DesRoches’s presence would significantly bolster diplomatic relations. He emphasised that the reopening of a resident embassy underscores the importance Canada places on the bilateral relationship.
Ambassador DesRoches thanked Samdech Techo Hun Sen for the reception and highlighted the positive momentum in Cambodia-Canada relations. The ambassador, who noted his personal connection to the country by mentioning his study and ability to speak the Khmer language, expressed his commitment to making bilateral engagement “more dynamic and substantive” during his tenure.
H.E. DesRoches also stressed the noticeable growth in commercial ties in recent years, which has occurred alongside enhanced political and diplomatic cooperation.
The Cambodian Acting Head of State echoed this sentiment, particularly welcoming the expansion of trade. He highlighted that bilateral trade has now surpassed US$1 billion—an achievement he called “notable” given the geographical distance between the two nations—and indicative of sustained commitment.
Samdech Techo Hun Sen voiced optimism for further cooperation in trade and investment, specifically calling for increased Canadian investment in Cambodia.
The Canadian envoy pledged to actively encourage more Canadian investors to explore the Cambodian market. As a successful example, Ambassador DesRoches cited ABA Bank, a Canadian-owned financial institution, noting its prominent role could serve as a positive reference for attracting additional Canadian businesses.
Ambassador DesRoches also stated he had taken a long-standing interest in Samdech Techo Hun Sen’s leadership and Cambodia’s modern history, which he began studying before arriving in the Kingdom.
