PHNOM PENH – Cambodia and Saint Lucia have formalized diplomatic ties through the signing of a joint communique, which a foreign policy research associate sees as a gateway to exchanging tourism strategies and cooperating on climate change.
The signing ceremony took place between Cambodian Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn and Saint Lucia's Minister of External Affairs, Alva Baptiste, on September 26, on the sidelines of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
Sokhonn, who is also a deputy prime minister, is leading a high-level delegation to take part in the session at the UN Headquarters from September 23 to 27 and on September 29.
Sreng Hengsal, a research associate at the Cambodian Center for Regional Studies (CCRS), viewed the new partnership as a continuation of Cambodia’s open and active foreign policy approach, which prioritizes “keeping old friends while establishing new ones.”
“The main rationale for Cambodia to establish the ties perhaps lies in its chairmanship of the 20th Francophonie Summit next year in Siem Reap province, while Saint Lucia is also one of its member states,” Hengsal said.
“This partnership not only opens the gates for bilateral ties but also enhances regional engagement between Southeast Asia and the Caribbean, while fostering collaboration at broader levels through the United Nations and South-South cooperation.”
As both countries’ economies rely heavily on tourism, Hengsal commended it as a favorable opportunity to exchange best practices and increase tourist arrivals, thereby enhancing attractions in both nations.
Meanwhile, it also offers scope for collaboration in climate diplomacy and adaptation strategies for both sides, as he acknowledged that these two countries are highly vulnerable — Cambodia to floods and droughts, and Saint Lucia to hurricanes.
“Additionally, it is vital for small states like Cambodia to have as many friends as possible on the international stage to broaden its diplomatic, political, and economic space, which are crucial for the country’s growth, and to foster opportunities for the country to play an active role as an ASEAN member and a responsible member of the international community,” Hengsal added.
During the signing ceremony, Sokhonn also briefed on the latest updates on the border tension with Thailand while reaffirming Cambodia’s stance to strive for dispute de-escalation and full implementation of the agreements toward the normalization of bilateral relations.
Beyond delivering the national statement at the UN General Assembly, Sokhonn also held talks with several world leaders, representatives of UN bodies, ASEAN member states and other partners to discuss the border conflict.
Located in the Caribbean Sea, Saint Lucia is an island state of 617 square kilometers and is home to more than 180,000 people as of September this year. It is renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty, featuring the Piton mountains, lush rainforests and stunning beaches.
In early July, Cambodia also established diplomatic ties with the Cook Islands, a self-governing island state in free association with New Zealand, located in the South Pacific Ocean.
The agreement followed the signing of a joint communique in mid-May by Cambodian Ambassador to Australia and New Zealand Cheunboran Chanborey and High Commissioner of the Cook Islands to New Zealand Kairangi Samuela.
