Cambodia, Canada Reaffirm Commitment to Strengthen Bilateral Relations

PHNOM PENH, April 20, 2026 (KPT) — Cambodia and Canada have pledged to deepen bilateral ties and expand cooperation across trade, investment and security during talks at the Peace Palace, officials said Monday.

Prime Minister Hun Manet received Canadian Ambassador Christian DesRoches, who highlighted longstanding diplomatic relations and noted progress in Canadian investment and commercial engagement in Cambodia.

He reaffirmed Canada’s commitment to expanding cooperation, particularly in economic sectors, and confirmed a high level Canadian delegation will attend the upcoming Francophonie Summit hosted by Cambodia.

Des​Roches also praised Phnom Penh’s role in advancing Canada ASEAN economic cooperation and ongoing negotiations toward an ASEAN Canada Free Trade Agreement.

Hun Manet congratulated the ambassador on his appointment and expressed confidence that ties would continue to grow.

He thanked Canada for its contributions to Cambodia’s peace process and socio economic development, and emphasized the role of the Cambodian diaspora in strengthening people to people and economic links.

The prime minister noted plans to establish a Cambodian commercial representative office in Canada to further promote trade and investment.

Both sides also discussed cooperation in defense, security and combating transnational crime, reaffirming their shared commitment to closer bilateral and multilateral engagement.