• Politics

Departing EU Envoy Thanked for Successful Term

• By Phoung Vantha
• August 17, 2023 11:52 AM

PHNOM PENH – Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn has congratulated departing EU Ambassador Carmen Moreno for her exemplary efforts and success in her tenure in the Kingdom.

This sentiment was shared during her farewell call on Aug. 16, the Foreign Ministry said.

Sokhonn underscored the significant advancement of the Cambodia-EU relationship over the past four years, notably during the complex backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Moreno helped to facilitate development assistance from the EU and its member states, including vaccines, grants, and loans totaling €499 million ($550), towards mitigating the pandemic’s impact and aiding socio-economic recovery.

Sokhonn reflected with gratitude on the EU’s collaborative endeavors in helping Cambodia’s post-conflict recovery.

The partnership encompassed a range of initiatives, namely infrastructure restoration, agricultural development, displacement management, human capital, and landmine clearance, contributing to remarkable socio-economic advancement within the Kingdom, the ministry said.

Noting divergent perspectives on specific matters, both sides expressed satisfaction with the recent remarkable evolution of Cambodia-EU cooperation, including the frequent high-level dialogues, fostering better understanding and improved perception on the Kingdom. The good heritage forms a solid basis for a diversified future partnership.

The EU has become the fifth-largest trading partner of Cambodia, and reaffirmed its commitment of about €1.43 billion to supporting Cambodia as outlined in the “Joint European Development Strategy 2021-2027”.

Moreno lauded Cambodia’s adept stewardship of ASEAN throughout 2022, including the successful ASEAN-EU Commemorative Summit held last December.