Cambodia and Cuba Pledge to Strengthen Cooperation in Sports and Physical Education

Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Youth and Sport, Dr. Hang Chuon Naron, met with Dr. Silvano Merced Lens, Rector of the Manuel Fajardo University of Physical Culture and Sports Sciences of Cuba, on September 23, 2026. The meeting confirmed the continuation and expansion of bilateral cooperation in the fields of physical education and sports. This was announced on the Facebook page of the Cambodian Ministry of Education. Dr. Silvano Merced Lens expressed Cuba's strong desire to strengthen bilateral relations and further develop joint activities in the physical education and sports sector. He highlighted past cooperation, including mutual visits by Cambodian delegations and the sharing of experiences in physical education and sports, and indicated an intention to continue supporting the capacity development of Cambodian officials and athletes. Dr. Hang Chuon Naron welcomed Dr. Silvano Merced Lens and his delegation to Cambodia and expressed gratitude for Cuba's past support. The Deputy Prime Minister touched upon Cambodia's strategic vision to improve public health, emphasizing the promotion of physical activity and its integration with national sports development. He also outlined Cambodia's sports management structure, noting that the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport, the National Olympic Committee of Cambodia (NOCC), and national sports federations play key roles in the development and operation of the sports sector. The Deputy Prime Minister expressed his hope that Dr. Silvano Merced Lens would explore the potential and characteristics of the National Institute of Physical Education and Sports (NIPES) to jointly seek cooperation and experience exchange in sports management. He further encouraged continued technical discussions with the General Department of Sports and NIPES to deepen the sharing of experiences and translate the vision for bilateral cooperation into concrete plans and projects.