Cambodia, Belgium Explore Tourism Cooperation Ahead of Francophonie Summit

PHNOM PENH, 4 August 2026 (KPT) — Cambodia and Belgium are exploring closer tourism cooperation ahead of the 20th Francophonie Summit in Phnom Penh, with officials discussing a potential agreement, joint promotional activities and investment initiatives to boost visitor arrivals and bilateral ties. Tourism Minister Huot Hak met Belgian Ambassador to Cambodia Michel Parys, who is based in Bangkok, and his delegation on Monday. Hak thanked Belgium for its friendship and cooperation, stressing Cambodia’s political stability, economic growth and tourism potential. He described the Kingdom as a peaceful and welcoming destination, promoting campaigns such as “Cambodia: Kingdom of Wonder, Feel the Warmth” and “Visit Cambodia in Green Season” to attract more visitors. Hak noted rising Belgian tourist arrivals and investments in the hospitality sector, saying these trends provided a strong foundation for expanded cooperation. Both sides discussed signing a Memorandum of Understanding, organizing familiarization trips for Belgian tour operators, journalists and content creators, holding a Cambodia‑Belgium Tourism Investment Forum, and strengthening business partnerships to increase investment and visitor flows. Ambassador Parys reaffirmed strong bilateral ties across investment and people‑to‑people exchanges. He confirmed Belgium’s participation in the Francophonie Summit this November, including the Village Francophonie side event organized by Cambodia’s Tourism Ministry. Cambodia and Belgium established diplomatic relations in 1955 and resumed ties in 1992, marking more than three decades of renewed cooperation.