Cambodia and Australia Affirm Stronger Ties at Ministerial Consultations

Cambodia and Australia held their 6th bilateral ministerial consultations in Phnom Penh, affirming their commitment to further strengthening bilateral friendship and cooperation. The consultations served as an opportunity to assess the progress in bilateral relations and explore ways to enhance cooperation in priority areas such as economy, trade, investment, defense, security, agriculture, agro-industry, clean energy, education, and demining. The consultations officially commenced on September 11 at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, co-chaired by Dr. Aun Khong, Secretary of State of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Cambodia, and Ms. Michelle Chan, Deputy Secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Australia. Representatives from nine Cambodian ministries and institutions, along with the Australian Ambassador to Cambodia and embassy officials, participated in the meeting. Both sides expressed high satisfaction with the positive development of their long-standing relations and discussed various means to further strengthen and expand cooperation. Views were also exchanged on regional and international issues, including the current situation along the Cambodia-Thailand border. Dr. Aun Khong reiterated Cambodia's commitment to resolving the Cambodia-Thailand border dispute peacefully, in accordance with international law and existing agreements. Notably, discussions also included plans for joint activities to celebrate the 75th anniversary of Cambodia-Australia diplomatic relations in 2027. It was agreed that the 7th Cambodia-Australia ministerial consultation will be held in Australia in 2027.