6th World Media Summit Officially Kicked Off in Xinjiang
Xinjiang, October 14, 2024-- The 6th World Media Summit (WMS), being hosted by Chinese State-owned Xinhua News Agency, officially kicked off in Urumqi, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region of northwestern China this morning (China Local Time).The Summit has brought together leaders of major global media outlets, government officials, representatives of international organisations, and executives of high-tech enterprises around the world to engage in in-depth discussions under the theme "Artificial Intelligence and Media Transformation." Since its inception in 2009 by a group of globally renowned media organisations including Xinhua News Agency, the Associated Press, Reuters, TASS Russian news agency and Kyodo News among others, the WMS has served as a premium platform for global media exchange and coordination. The 5th WMS, held successfully in Guangdong and Yunnan Provinces of the People’s Republic of China in December 2023. At present, artificial intelligence technology has permeated various facets of the media industry, encompassing news collection, production, and distribution. Addressing the challenges presented by AI technology and leveraging cutting-edge innovations to empower the media industry have become pivotal concerns for global media entities. Xinjiang, where the 6th World Media Summit being held, has a long history of being a vital hub along the ancient Silk Road and a bridge between Eastern and Western civilisations. In addition to attending the plenary sessions, delegates to the 6th WMS are also invited to explore Xinjiang’s unique cultural landscapes, travel along the Silk Road, and engage directly with local communities to experience the region's vibrant multi-ethnic culture. Like other distinguished participants, two senior representatives from the State-run Agence Kampuchea Presse (AKP) of the Kingdom of Cambodia, also attended the 6th WMS.This summit will serve as a rare forum thus greatly contribute to making the summit a key forum to foster consensus, pursue shared development, embrace new opportunities and address new challenges at this crucial moment for AI-powered transformation of the media industry.
CDC’s Senior Official Attends Hamburg Sustainability Conference in Germany
Phnom Penh, October 09, 2024 --H.E. CHHIENG Yanara, Senior Minister in charge of Special Missions and Second Vice-Chairman of the Council for the Development of Cambodia (CDC), participated in the Hamburg Sustainability Conference (HSC) held in Hamburg, Federal Republic of Germany from Oct. 7 to 8.According to the CDC, under the concept of sustainable development, the HSC brought together politics, science and business to forge innovative partnerships needed to accelerate progress on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).Over 1,500 participants from more than 100 countries came to discuss issues from a wide spectrum that ranges from governance to finance and beyond, placing emphasis on reshaping international financial architecture through which private sectors’ and civil societies’ potential, to name a few, can be better utilised to setting sustainability guidelines for standards of tomorrow, said the CDC.
Cambodian PM Has a Working Breakfast with Lao, Vietnamese Counterparts in Vientiane
Vientiane, October 09, 2024—Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet (L, Pic. 1), Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia, poses for a group photo with H.E. Dr. Sonexay Siphandone (C, Pic. 1), Prime Minister of the Lao People's Democratic Republic, and H.E. Pham Minh Chinh, Prime Minister of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, before their working breakfast in Vientiane this morning, on the sidelines of the 44th and 45th ASEAN Summits and Related Summits.
Cambodia, Ukraine Sign Agreement on Visa Exemption for Diplomatic and Service Passport
Phnom Penh, September 26, 2024—Cambodia and Ukraine have signed on Sept. 25 the Agreement on Visa Exemption for Holders of Diplomatic, Service or Official Passports.The agreement was inked by H.E. SOK Chenda Sophea, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, and H.E. Andrii Sybiha, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, after their bilateral meeting to discuss efforts to further promote bilateral ties and cooperation of both countries in multilateral framework, on the sidelines of the 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.On the same day, H.E. SOK Chenda Sophea had a meeting with H.E. Ms. Julie Bishop, Special Envoy of the UN Secretary-General on Myanmar.The Cambodian top diplomat shared Cambodia’s experience in ending war and seeking national reconciliation.He also shared Cambodia’s position on Myanmar including supporting engagement with Myanmar and ASEAN’s mechanisms namely ASEAN special envoy, Troika, and expanded Troika.For her part, H.E. Ms. Julie Bishop expressed her sincere thanks to H.E. SOK Chenda Sophea for sharing experience as well as informing about Cambodia’s position and efforts to find solution to Myanmar’s crisis.
Outgoing Thai Ambassador Bids Cambodian Foreign Minister Farewell
Phnom Penh, September 11, 2024 --Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation H.E. Sok Chenda Sophea received at the ministry on Sept. 10 a farewell call by outgoing Thai Ambassador H.E. Cherdkiat Atthakor upon his completion of tenure in Cambodia.During the farewell meeting, H.E. Deputy Prime Minister congratulated the Thai envoy on the successful completion of his diplomatic mission in Cambodia. He highly valued the ambassador’s active contribution to advancing the bilateral relations, which had been elevated to “Strategic Partnership” in February 2024.As the two countries will celebrate the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2025, both sides agreed to jointly organise events to commemorate the special year.For his part, the outgoing Thai Ambassador extended profound appreciation to the ministry for providing steadfast support during his mission in the Kingdom.
14 Ukrainian Demining Experts Being Trained on Using Deming Equipment
Phnom Penh, August 08, 2024 --Fourteen (14) Ukrainian experts (a woman and 13 men) have been attending a basic training on the use of demining machines in humanitarian demining operations conducted by the Cambodian Mine Action Centre (CMAC).The training course was opened on Aug. 7 in Siem Rea province under the presidency of H.E. Heng Ratana, Delegate of the Royal Government in charge as Director General of CMAC, and Mr. Sanui Kazusama, JICA’s Chief Representative.The training course on Demining Machines in Humanitarian Demining Operations for the State Emergency Service of Ukraine (SESU) is supported by the Government of Japan through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).According to CMAC, the aim of this training is to build the professional capacity of Ukrainian demining experts in the fields of demining machine operations to increase safety, efficiency, and effectiveness in clearing landmine/UXO-contaminated areas.CMAC has the full support of Samdech Thipadei, the Prime Minister of the Royal Government of Cambodia, by allowing CMAC to cooperate with the Government of Japan to conduct humanitarian demining training for Ukrainian experts, so that they can speed up demining activities and provide safety to Ukrainian people affected by landmines and the remnants of war.
Cambodia to Join Asia Cross Country Rally 2024 in Thailand
Phnom Penh, August 08, 2024 --Cambodia's VKH Rally Racing team has left the country for the Asia Cross Country Rally 2024, to be held in Thailand from Aug. 11 to 17.A Cambodian racer, Mr. Vong Kimhuot, was optimistic that the Cambodian team would do well in the contest thanks to their experience in the race since 2013.The Cambodian team, with a race car and four service cars, departed the country through the Cham Yeam checkpoint in Cambodia's Koh Kong province, heading to Trat province in Thailand.There will be 45 race cars and nine petrol cars from ten countries attending the race of 2,400 km, starting from Surat Thani province and finishing in Kanchanaburi province.Last year, the Cambodian VKH Racing team was ranked 11th among the 41 participating race cars.
ASEAN Fully Supports Cambodia’s Chairmanship of ACCSM in 2024-2026
Phnom Penh, August 07, 2024 --Secretary-General of ASEAN H.E. Dr. Kao Kim Hourn has reaffirmed the ASEAN Secretariat’s full support to Cambodia in assuming the ASEAN Cooperation on Civil Service Matters (ACCSM) Chairmanship for the period of 2024-2026.H.E. Dr. Kao Kim Hourn reiterated the support in a meeting on the afternoon of Aug. 6 with H.E. Hun Many, Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Civil Service, on the sidelines of the Heads of Civil Service Meeting for the 22nd ACCSM in Brunei Darussalam.On the occasion, both sides also exchanged views on the Chair's priorities, including the post-2025 ACCSM Work Plan development and strategies to strengthen ACCSM's role in the ASEAN Community building.H.E. Dr. Kao Kim Hourn believes that the Cambodian chairmanship of ACCSM under the leadership of H.E. Hun Many will be able to take ACCSM to the next level.H.E. Hun Many expressed thanks to the ASEAN Secretariat for its past efforts to facilitate Cambodia's work, especially in the field of civil service, and shared the public administration reform programme of the 7th-mandate Royal Government.
Cambodia Bags 17 Medals At A World DanceSport Event In Vietnam
Phnom Penh, July 16, 2024 --Cambodian athletes have grabbed 17 medals – 4 gold, 6 silver and 7 bronze – at the WDSF World Challenge Cup: Rising Stars Latin & Standard 2024 in Vietnam.The update was shared by Mrs. Hang Simorn, Secretary General of Cambodia DanceSport Federation (CDSF), adding that the gold medalists are Mr. Chum Lyheang, Ms. San Roza, and Mr. Long Chamnol.Mr. Chum Lyheang and Ms. San Roza won each a gold medal for WDSF World Challenge Cup Rising Star 2024; while the young athlete Mr. Long Chamnol alone got two gold medals, pointed out the secretary general.This is, she added, a new achievement of Cambodia's Dancesport thanks to the Cambodian athletes' hard work in training and competitions.The event taking place on July 13-14 attracted the participation of over 1,000 athletes from 26 countries in the Asian, European, American and African continents.Besides the WDSF World Challenge Cup: Rising Stars Latin & Standard 2024, athletes also showcased their talents in two other major events including the WDSF International Open Latin & Standard 2024 and the KTOC Cup 2024.
H.E. Robert William Forden Appointed New U.S. Ambassador To Cambodia
Phnom Penh, July 08, 2024 --The U.S. Government has announced the appointment of H.E. Robert William Forden as new Ambassador to Cambodia in replacement H.E. W. Patrick Murphy.According to the U.S. Department of State’s recent statement, H.E. Robert William Forden is a career member of the Senior Foreign Service, class of Minister-Counselor. Most recently, he worked as a Senior Advisor in the East Asian and Pacific Affairs Bureau of the U.S. Department of State.Prior to that he served as the Deputy Chief of Mission, and also as Chargé d’affaires a.i. of the U.S. Embassy in the People’s Republic of China. Prior to that, H.E. Robert William Forden was the Deputy Director of the American Institute in Taiwan and before that the Economic Counsellor of the U.S. Embassy in Tel Aviv, Israel.H.E. Robert William Forden was also Deputy Economic Counsellor of the U.S. Embassy in Beijing and, in Washington, was the Deputy Director of the Office of Chinese and Mongolian Affairs in the State Department’s Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs. His demonstrated success as a leader, coupled with almost three decades of work in and on Asia as a career diplomat, make him a well-qualified candidate to serve as U.S. Ambassador to the Kingdom of Cambodia.Among his other assignments, H.E. Robert William Forden was Chief of the Kaohsiung Branch of the American Institute in Taiwan, an Economic Officer at the U.S. Embassy in Hanoi, Vietnam, and an Economic Officer in the Special Trade Activities Division of the Multilateral Trade Affairs Office in the U.S. Department of State, Washington, D.C.H.E. Robert William Forden earned his Bachelor’s Degree from the University of California, Santa Cruz. He is the recipient of a Presidential Rank Award (Meritorious) and numerous State Department performance awards. He speaks Chinese (Mandarin) and Vietnamese.
Air Asia Malaysia Resumes Kuala Lumpur-Sihanoukville Flight Service
Phnom Penh, July 04, 2024 --Air Asia Malaysia has resumed direct flights from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia to Sihanoukville International Airport with three flights per week - Wednesday, Friday and Sunday.Air Asia Malaysia’s flight AK 264 aircraft departed from Kuala Lumpur International Airport at 12:10 PM and touched down at Sihanoukville International Airport at 1:00 PM local time on July 3.Guests onboard flight AK 264 were greeted with Khmer traditional dance and warmly welcomed by representatives from the Cambodia Airport Authority and AirAsia Allstars.AirAsia now offers direct flights to Sihanoukville from Kuala Lumpur three times per week, enhancing its extensive international network and connecting Cambodia to over 130 destinations across Asia and beyond.H.E. Sin Chansereyvutha, Under-Secretary of State and Spokesperson for the State Secretariat of Civil Aviation (SSCA), said the airline’s Kuala Lumpur-Sihanoukville resumption will contribute to aviation sector development."We are welcome to the resumption of the AirAsia. The economic situation seems to be improving, which is the reason the airline decided to resume its flight service," he said.There are three airlines - AirAsia Cambodia, Cambodia Angkor Air, and AirAsia Malaysia - which operate flight services to Sihanoukville International Airport, according to SSCA.Cambodia attracted some 2.6 million international tourists in the first six months of 2024, an increase of 22 percent compared to the same period last year, a Ministry of Tourism’s report showed.Currently, 31 domestic and international airlines from eight ASEAN countries, China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Korea, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates are operating air services in Cambodia.
Over 2,500 Cambodian Students Attend Universities In Thailand
Phnom Penh, June 28, 2024 --Over the last decade, more than 2,500 Cambodian students have studied and are studying at universities in Thailand, of them 2,132 are scholarship students granted by Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn of Thailand.The figures were shared by H.E. Dr. Hang Chuon Naron, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Youth, and Sports, while presiding over the alumni reunion party of the Faculty of Education, Chulalongkorn University in Phnom Penh on June 25.The gathering is a good opportunity to reunite, share experience, and network for future career development among the students, he said.He highlighted that Cambodian students have been contributing significantly to Cambodia’s development, including the education sector.H.E. Cherdkiat Atthakor, Thai Ambassador to Cambodia, professors from the Faculty of Education of Chulalongkorn University, and members of the student alumni community joined the reunion.
Australia Supports Training Of Cambodian Young Water Engineers
Phnom Penh, June 25, 2024 --Australia is supporting the Centre for Sustainable Water to equip the next generation of Cambodian water engineers through the Youth Leadership in Clean Water Supply Action programme.According to the Australian Embassy in Phnom Penh, this programme provides six-month internships at private water companies for 10 water resources engineering students or recent graduates from the Institute of Technology of Cambodia.Young water engineers gain skills and experience working alongside private operators to improve water quality, supply and service delivery, it pointed out.“Australia is committed to empowering young water engineers in Cambodia to ensure a sustainable clean water future for all, recognising their crucial role in shaping the country’s water development,” underlined the embassy.To meet her goal of universal access to clean water by 2030, Cambodia requires an additional 12,000 water professionals.
China sees US sanctions on Chinese companies as unilateral threat and economic coercion
Phnom Penh, June 21, 2024 -China on Thursday voiced strong opposition to the recent US decision to impose sanctions on Chinese companies over so-called Russian involvement.He Yadong, a spokesman for the Ministry of Commerce, told a news conference that sanctions were not based on international law and had no mandate from the UN Security Council.He said such actions were a normal act of unilateral threats and economic coercion.He said the US side should immediately stop its unreasonable pressure on Chinese companies, adding that China will take all necessary measures to protect the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese enterprises without change. .
The Republic Of Ireland To Strengthen Regional Ties: A Focus On Cambodia
Phnom Penh, June 14, 2024 --Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation H.E. Sok Chenda Sophea received here on June 13 a courtesy call by H.E. Ms. Deirdre Ní Fhallúin, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Ireland to the Kingdom of Cambodia with Residence in Hanoi.According to a news release of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, during the meeting, both sides noted with deep satisfaction relations and good cooperation between the Kingdom of Cambodia and the Republic of Ireland, and underlined the importance of further elevating the engagement between the two nations in mutually beneficial interests.The Cambodian DPM expressed his profound appreciation to the Irish government for their invaluable assistance and support to Cambodia, particularly in the fields of education, demining and health.H.E. Ambassador reaffirmed the Irish government’s unwavering commitment to deepening its engagement with countries in the region, especially Cambodia, adding that education sector is a key pillar of their cooperation program, which aligns perfectly with the Royal Government of Cambodia’s Pentagonal Strategy - Phase I.Both sides emphasised the importance of establishing a Bilateral Consultations or Joint Economic Commission mechanism which would pave the way to further strengthen and explore new avenues of partnership, especially in trade and economic exchanges between the two countries.Both parties also exchanged insightful views on regional and international issues of mutual interest.
A Workshop On Investment In Cambodia Held In Spain
Phnom Penh, June 11, 2024 --A workshop on Investment in Cambodia was organised in Spain on June 10 to promote the investment potential and opportunities in Cambodia to Spanish enterprises.The workshop was co-chaired by H.E. Sun Chanthol, Deputy Prime Minister, First Vice President of the Council for the Development of Cambodia (CDC) and Spanish Secretary of State for Trade H.E. Ms. Maria Amparo Lopez Senovilla.The event, attracting the participation of Spanish Chamber of Commerce, Spanish Confederation of Business Organisations (CEOE), etc., is part of H.E. Sun Chanthol's 'door-knocking' mission to Europe.On the occasion, the CDC first vice president laid stress on the potential of Cambodia, including political stability, macroeconomic stability, labour force, interconnected infrastructure, especially the Royal Government’s support for the growth of businesspeople, and open investment law for all investors.H.E. Sun Chanthol expressed his strong belief that the invited investors and businessmen will visit Cambodia in person, and bring the current state of investment environment in Cambodia to the Spanish business community more widely.On the same day, the Cambodian DPM also met with a number of representatives of Spain’s major companies such as Insud Pharma, Centunion, Melia Group, Molecor, CAF, Biorizon Biotech, Edutrade, and Talgo, to reaffirm the CDC’s readiness to facilitate the investors’ businesses to ensure their success.
Strengthening Mekong-U.S. Partnership Together With Friends Of Mekong For Sustainable Regional Development
Phnom Penh, June 09, 2024 --H.E. MEAS Kim Heng, Secretary of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MFAIC) and Cambodia's SOM Leader for Mekong Cooperation, attended the Mekong-U.S. Partnership (MUSP) Senior Officials' Meeting and the Friends of Mekong (FoM) Senior Officials' Meeting in the Lao PDR, on June 5-6.According to an MFAIC’s press release issued this morning, the Senior Officials' Meeting of the Mekong-U.S. Partnership discussed key agendas, including the progress and future direction of the Mekong-U.S. Partnership, and the Mekong-U.S. Partnership Action Plan for 2024-2026. The meeting also discussed preparations for the potential Mekong-U.S. Foreign Ministers' Meeting.The Meeting of the Senior Officials of the FoM was held back to back to the MUSP Meeting at the Secretariat of the Mekong River Commission (MRC) under the theme "Strengthening the Partnership for Connectivity and Resilience of the Mekong" with the participation of Mekong countries, along with other development partners, focused on key priority areas for the development of the Mekong sub-region, as well as strengthening cooperation and efficient coordination for the FoM mechanism.During the two meetings, H.E. Secretary of State thanked the United States and all Friends of the Mekong countries for their valuable assistance in developing the subregion and urged them to provide more support for various Mekong cooperation, including (1) public and private partnership (2) human resource development (3) agricultural and rural development and (4) Micro, small and medium enterprises and digital economy.
U.S. Defence Secretary Travel To Cambodia Next Week
Phnom Penh, May 27, 2024 -- U.S. Secretary of Defence H.E. Lloyd J. Austin III will depart this week for a trip to Singapore, Cambodia, and France, according to the U.S. Department of Defence’s press release on Friday.While in Cambodia on June 4, the source pointed out, H.E. Lloyd J. Austin III will meet with senior officials following his November 2022 visit to Phnom Penh for the ASEAN Defence Minister's Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus).“Secretary Austin's tenth trip to the Indo-Pacific comes as the Department of Defence continues to strengthen U.S. relationships with allies and partners in support of a shared regional vision for peace, stability, and deterrence,” said the press release.
Vietnam names new President To Lam and new National Assembly Speaker Tran Thanh Man
Vietnam: The Vietnamese government has also announced that 66-year-old Police Minister To Lam will take over as the new president, replacing Vo Van Thuong, while Tran Thanh Man will take over. The new speaker of the National Assembly replaces Vuong Dinh Hue, who resigned last month after facing charges of "abuse and lack of party compliance" according to the Vietnamese government on Saturday last weekend as part of a major leadership change.Thanh Min, now 61, has served as deputy speaker of parliament since 2021. He holds a doctorate in economics and was also chairman of the Central Committee of the Vietnam Fatherland Front and chairman of the Prek Russey or Cần Thơ People's Committee.It should be recalled that such a change of senior ministers is unprecedented for Vietnam, a one-party state and also a country with stable politics, but the situation has changed, with up to two presidents and a parliamentary speaker ended his term in less than 18 months for "misconduct" while Vietnam was conducting a large-scale anti-corruption campaign.
Undersecretary of State, Ministry of Commerce, led a Cambodian delegation to the 6th Round of ACFTA 3.0 Negotiations in Singapore.
(Singapore): On 22 to 26 April 2024, in Singapore, His Excellency TITH Rithipol, Under Secretary of State of Commerce, and the ACFTA JC Lead for Cambodia led Cambodia’s delegation to attend the 6th Round of the ACFTA 3.0 Upgrade Negotiations in order to monitor the progress as well as discuss and address the issues and follow-up works under the ACFTA 3.0 Upgrade Negotiations to ensure achieving a substantial conclusion by the end of 2024.On that sideline, some relevant working groups’ meetings were also organized, such as the Working Groups on Trade in Goods, Customs Procedures and Trade Facilitation, Investment, Digital Economy, Green Economy, Legal and Institutional Issues, and Supply Chain Connectivity. As a result, The 6th Round was successfully concluded, and the ACFTA JC agreed to organize its 7th Round in June 2024 in China.