National
Cambodia, Malaysia Discuss Trade, Halal Industry and Border Tensions
PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (Oct. 14, 2025) — Cambodian Senate President Samdech Techo Hun Sen met Tuesday with Malaysian Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi to strengthen bilateral cooperation and address regional issues, including border tensions between Cambodia and Thailand.
The meeting took place at the Senate Palace during Zahid’s official visit to Cambodia. Zahid also serves as Malaysia’s minister of rural and regional development.
According to Senate spokesperson Chea Thyrith, Samdech Techo welcomed Zahid and his delegation, praising Malaysia’s continued support and partnership. Zahid emphasized the depth of Cambodia-Malaysia relations, highlighting strong people-to-people ties.
Zahid proposed forming a joint working committee to develop Cambodia’s Halal food industry and expressed Malaysia’s readiness to support the sector. He also suggested expanding cooperation in health tourism and said Malaysia is exploring the possibility of establishing a hospital in Cambodia.
Samdech Techo Hun Sen welcomed the proposals and called for deeper collaboration in trade, investment and tourism. He thanked Malaysia for becoming Cambodia’s largest rice importer in 2024, purchasing more than 70,000 tons, and encouraged further agricultural imports.
He also briefed Zahid on recent border tensions, citing psychological operations by Thai forces involving disturbing nighttime broadcasts near Prey Chan and Chhouk Chey villages. He described the situation as fragile but reaffirmed Cambodia’s commitment to peace and respect for the ceasefire.
Tourism ties are also growing. Cambodia welcomed over 59,000 Malaysian visitors in the first seven months of 2025, an 11% increase from the previous year. Cambodian officials have requested more direct flights between the two countries to support tourism growth.
The leaders also discussed regional matters, including Myanmar and Timor-Leste, with Hun Sen expressing support for Malaysia’s efforts to facilitate Timor-Leste’s full ASEAN membership.
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