Cambodia, Turkiye step up tourism cooperation with investment forum and direct flights

PHNOM PENH, July 9, 2026 (KPT) — Cambodia and Turkiye agreed Wednesday to deepen tourism cooperation by accelerating implementation of their bilateral agreement, promoting investment and leveraging direct air connectivity to boost visitor flows, trade and cultural exchanges, officials said.

Tourism Minister Huot Hak met newly appointed Turkish Ambassador Mesut Ozcan in Phnom Penh, reaffirming both sides’ commitment to expand collaboration under the 2018 Memorandum of Understanding on Tourism Cooperation. Discussions focused on destination promotion, investment opportunities and stronger people‑to‑people ties.

Hak highlighted the importance of Turkish Airlines’ direct Istanbul–Phnom Penh service, saying the route had significantly enhanced connectivity while supporting tourism and business exchanges. He noted the opening of Techo International Airport in 2025 had further strengthened Cambodia’s international air links, creating new opportunities to expand tourism and commercial ties.

Ozcan praised Cambodia’s achievements in tourism development and socio‑economic progress under conditions of peace and stability. He pledged the embassy would serve as a bridge for closer cooperation, supporting practical initiatives such as convening the first Cambodia–Turkiye Tourism Working Group, organizing familiarization trips for stakeholders and holding a bilateral tourism investment forum.

Hak welcomed the proposals and urged close coordination with Turkiye’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism to expedite implementation. He also encouraged joint promotion of Cambodia as a destination through FAM trips for tour operators, journalists and content creators.

Ozcan confirmed his participation in the Cambodia Muslim Tourism Forum and Expo 2026, scheduled for July 10 in Phnom Penh.

Cambodia and Turkiye established diplomatic relations in 1959 and signed their tourism cooperation MoU in 2018, providing a framework for expanding collaboration. Both sides expressed confidence that enhanced cooperation, supported by improved air connectivity and joint promotion, would strengthen bilateral relations and generate economic benefits.