Samdech Techo Hun Sen Meets Indonesian Senator, Backs Stronger Ties and Regional Parliamentary Cooperation

PHNOM PENH, June 18, 2026 (KPT) — Cambodia’s Acting Head of State, Samdech Techo Hun Sen, on Thursday received Indonesian Senator Henock Puraro for talks on strengthening bilateral ties and advancing plans for a Southeast Asian Senate Speakers’ Forum.

The meeting took place at the Senate’s Peace Palace in Phnom Penh, where Samdech Techo welcomed Puraro, a member of Indonesia’s Senate and third vice chairman of its Committee for Inter‑Parliamentary Cooperation.

Senate spokesperson Chea Thyrith said Samdech Techo Hun Sen thanked Indonesia for the hospitality shown during his visit last year and highlighted the longstanding friendship between the two nations.

Puraro praised relations as a “brotherly” partnership built over 75 years and said there was considerable potential to expand cooperation in trade, investment and education.

Samdech Techo welcomed the forum proposal, stressing the importance of deeper cooperation across sectors and encouraging both governments to promote openness and expand trade.

He pointed to direct air links between the two countries, calling for more flights to boost tourism and exchanges.

According to official data, Cambodia–Indonesia trade reached US$551 million in the first five months of 2026, up 17.4 percent year‑on‑year.

Cambodian exports surged 43.4 percent to US$47 million, while imports from Indonesia rose 15.5 percent to US$503 million.

Samdech Techo Hun Sen outlined ideas for the forum’s role and activities, suggesting further consultations to determine its structure and mandate, before wishing Puraro and his delegation a successful visit.