Cambodia and North Korea Pledge to Strengthen Traditional Friendship and Long-Term Cooperation

Cambodia and North Korea reaffirmed their long-standing friendship and pledged to further strengthen bilateral cooperation during a ceremony celebrating the 78th anniversary of North Korea's founding. The commemorative event, organized by the North Korean Embassy in the Kingdom of Cambodia, was held on the evening of September 7, 2026, at the Capitol Hotel in Phnom Penh. The ceremony was attended by members of the royal family, high-ranking government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, and numerous distinguished guests. Pak Chol Jun, the Chargé d'affaires of the North Korean Embassy, highlighted the historical foundation of relations between Cambodia and North Korea, emphasizing that the friendship between the two countries was built through the close relationship between the founder of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, former President Kim Il Sung, and His Majesty King Norodom Sihanouk. He stated that the friendship between the two nations, deeply rooted in the close ties between their past leaders, has developed well for over six decades. Pak Chol Jun affirmed that North Korea will continue to preserve its historical and traditional relationship with Cambodia and strive to expand and strengthen cooperation between the two countries in all fields. He also added that North Korea will continue to develop friendly relations with countries that respect its sovereignty and support peace, stability, and common prosperity. He touched upon North Korea's political and economic development under the leadership of Kim Il Sung, Kim Jong Il, and Kim Jong Un, as well as the country's efforts to strengthen its defense capabilities. Furthermore, he stated that North Korea is achieving significant accomplishments in implementing the tasks adopted at the 9th Congress of the Workers' Party of Korea held in February of this year. Representing the Royal Government of Cambodia, Minister of Information Net Pheaktra extended congratulations to the government and people of North Korea on the occasion of the 78th anniversary of the founding of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. Minister Net Pheaktra underscored that Cambodia and North Korea have maintained a long-standing traditional friendship, deeply rooted in the close relationship between His Majesty King Norodom Sihanouk and former Marshal Kim Il Sung. Minister Net Pheaktra further stated that diplomatic relations between Cambodia and North Korea were officially established on December 20, 1964, and in 2024, the two countries celebrated the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations through the exchange of congratulatory messages between their respective Foreign Ministers. "Looking ahead, I am confident that the good relations and existing cooperation between Cambodia and North Korea will be further strengthened and elevated for the mutual benefit of the peoples of both countries," stated Minister Net Pheaktra. He also emphasized that the long-standing relationship between the two countries has become an important foundation for further strengthening cooperation and friendship between their peoples. The reception on the evening of September 7, 2026, concluded with wishes for the health and longevity of the leaders of both countries, along with wishes for the further development and strengthening of friendship and cooperation between Cambodia and North Korea, and for the happiness and prosperity of the peoples of both nations. The Democratic People's Republic of Korea was officially founded on September 9, 1948, on the Korean Peninsula, and September 9 is celebrated annually as North Korea's National Day.