Cambodia, Belgium Pledge Closer Ties Ahead of 60th Anniversary

PHNOM PENH, Aug 7, 2026 (KPT) – Cambodia and Belgium have pledged to deepen cooperation across development, trade and multilateral affairs as they prepare to mark 60 years of diplomatic relations in 2027, the foreign ministry said Friday. The commitment was made during talks Thursday between Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn and Belgian ambassador Michel Parys at the ministry in Phnom Penh. Officials said the two sides discussed expanding collaboration in judicial reform, investment, tourism and international engagement. Parys informed Prak Sokhonn that Belgium’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot is expected to visit Cambodia in November for the 20th Francophonie Summit. Prak Sokhonn welcomed the planned visit and said he looked forward to receiving his Belgian counterpart. The meeting also underscored the significance of 2027, which will mark six decades of diplomatic relations between the two countries. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation in areas of mutual interest, the ministry said. Prak Sokhonn also briefed the envoy on recent developments in Cambodia’s border issue with Thailand. Cambodia and Belgium established diplomatic ties in 1967. Belgium has provided development assistance and engaged through the European Union, one of Cambodia’s largest trading partners and donors. Cooperation has focused on governance, judicial reform, education and trade. The Francophonie summit, scheduled for November in Phnom Penh, will be the first hosted by Cambodia. Leaders from French‑speaking nations are expected to gather to discuss political, economic and cultural cooperation.