Cambodia and New Zealand pledge closer cooperation during foreign minister’s visit

PHNOM PENH, Mar. 13, 2026 (KPT) — Cambodia and New Zealand have pledged to deepen cooperation across political, economic, development and education sectors during Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn’s first official visit to Wellington this week.

Prak Sokhonn travelled to New Zealand from March 12 to 13 at the invitation of Foreign Minister Winston Peters.

The two ministers held a working breakfast and formal talks, exchanging views on regional and international issues and reaffirming their commitment to strengthening bilateral ties.

On political and security cooperation, both sides welcomed continued high-level exchanges and pledged to work together in addressing transnational crime and maintaining regional stability.

On economic and development cooperation, the ministers noted steady growth in bilateral trade and said there was significant potential to expand economic ties further.

They encouraged government institutions and business communities in both countries to increase engagement and promote investment opportunities. Cambodia expressed appreciation for New Zealand’s additional assistance of NZD 7.5 million to support mine clearance activities.

On education and people-to-people links, the ministers emphasized the importance of strengthening exchanges as a key pillar of bilateral relations.

Prak Sokhonn thanked New Zealand for its continued support in developing Cambodia’s human resources through the Manaaki Scholarships and English-language training programmes for Cambodian officials.

The two sides also discussed regional and global developments, reaffirming their shared commitment to promoting peace, security and stability.

Prak Sokhonn welcomed the elevation of ASEAN–New Zealand relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and expressed support for further cooperation, including economic integration through the ASEAN–Australia–New Zealand Free Trade Agreement and its links with the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership.

During the visit, Prak Sokhonn also briefed his counterpart on recent developments along the Cambodia–Thailand border and thanked New Zealand for supporting a peaceful resolution.

He met members of the Cambodian community and students living in New Zealand, praising their contributions to the country’s multicultural society.

Both sides said the visit would help further strengthen friendship and expand mutually beneficial cooperation between the two countries.