Cambodia and Russia Agree to Strengthen Bilateral Cooperation After Hun Manet–Putin Talks in Kazan

KAZAN, Russia, June 19, 2026 (KPT) – Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet and Russian President Vladimir Putin have agreed to deepen cooperation in political, economic and security fields during talks on the sidelines of the ASEAN–Russia Commemorative Summit in Kazan.

The meeting came as Cambodia and Russia marked the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations alongside 35 years of ASEAN–Russia partnership. Both sides pledged to expand cooperation in trade, investment, energy and broader regional engagement.

Putin described Cambodia as a “long‑standing friend and partner,” saying Moscow attached high priority to developing ties with Phnom Penh. He welcomed plans to hold joint activities to mark the anniversary this year.

Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet said Cambodia valued its traditional friendship with Russia, built on political trust, mutual respect and long‑term cooperation.

He expressed appreciation for assistance provided by the former Soviet Union and Russia’s continued contribution to Cambodia’s socio‑economic development.

The two leaders discussed expanding cooperation in trade, investment, energy, agriculture, security and defence, as well as education, health, tourism, culture and people‑to‑people exchanges.

They stressed the importance of maintaining regular high‑level engagement across government, legislative and party channels.

Samdech Thipadei also requested Russian support for Cambodia’s proposal to launch negotiations on a free trade agreement with the Eurasian Economic Union.

On the sidelines, he met Nurlan Yermekbayev, Secretary‑General of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, and Bakytzhan Sagintayev, Chairman of the Eurasian Economic Commission, reaffirming Cambodia’s interest in strengthening cooperation on connectivity, energy, food security, tourism and human exchanges.