Cambodia and North Korea Reaffirm Traditional Friendship and Cooperation

Cambodia and North Korea have reaffirmed their long-standing friendship and commitment to further strengthening bilateral cooperation during a ceremony celebrating the 78th anniversary of the founding of North Korea. The event, held on the evening of September 7, 2026, by the Embassy of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) in the Kingdom of Cambodia at a hotel in Phnom Penh, was attended by members of the Royal Family, high-ranking government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, and numerous distinguished guests. Pak Chol Jun, Chargé d'Affaires of the North Korean Embassy, highlighted the historical foundation of relations between Cambodia and North Korea, stating that the friendship between the two countries was built through the close relationship between the founder of the DPRK, the late President Kim Il Sung, and His Majesty King Father Norodom Sihanouk. This friendship has developed favorably for over six decades. Mr. Pak Chol Jun affirmed that North Korea will continue to preserve its historical relations and traditional friendship with Cambodia, while striving to expand and strengthen cooperation between the two countries in all fields. He also noted that North Korea will continue to develop friendly relations with countries that respect its sovereignty and support peace, stability, and common prosperity. Furthermore, Mr. Pak Chol Jun touched upon North Korea's political and economic development under the leadership of President Kim Il Sung, Chairman Kim Jong Il, and Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un, as well as the country's efforts to enhance its defense capabilities. 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. On behalf of the Royal Government of Cambodia, H.E. Net Pheaktra, Minister of Information, extended congratulations to the government and people of North Korea on the occasion of the 78th anniversary of the founding of the DPRK. H.E. Minister Pheaktra emphasized that Cambodia and North Korea have maintained long-standing relations and traditional friendship, deeply rooted in the close ties between His Majesty King Father Norodom Sihanouk and the late President Kim Il Sung. He 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 congratulatory messages exchanged between their respective Ministers of Foreign Affairs. "Looking towards the future, 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," H.E. Minister Pheaktra stated. He added 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, as well as aspirations for the further development and strengthening of friendship and cooperation between Cambodia and North Korea, and for the perpetual happiness and prosperity of the peoples of both nations. The Democratic People's Republic of Korea was officially founded on September 9, 1948, and September 9 is celebrated annually as North Korea's National Day. Source: AKP Khmer