Cambodia and South Korea discuss expanding strategic partnership

PHNOM PENH, 20 February 2026 (KPT) – Cambodia’s Permanent Deputy Prime Minister Vongsey Vissoth met South Korea’s ambassador to Phnom Penh to discuss strengthening bilateral cooperation, officials said Friday.

The meeting took place on 19 February at the Office of the Council of Ministers, where Vongsey Vissoth received Ambassador Kim Chang Yong for a courtesy call and working talks.

Vissoth congratulated the ambassador on his appointment and thanked Seoul for what he described as continued support for Cambodia’s socio-economic development.

He noted that South Korea had provided around $2 billion in concessional loans and accepted some 70,000 Cambodian workers.

He highlighted growth in bilateral trade under the Cambodia–Korea Free Trade Agreement and welcomed the upgrade of relations to a “Strategic Partnership” in 2024.

While cooperation already spans multiple sectors, he said there remained significant potential to expand ties further, particularly in technology and trade.

Vissoth reaffirmed the government’s commitment to eliminating online scams, citing prevention measures, law enforcement crackdowns, public awareness campaigns and cooperation with foreign partners such as South Korea. He praised joint task force operations as successful in tackling online fraud.

Ambassador Kim said South Korea viewed Cambodia as an important partner under Seoul’s broader diplomatic strategy. He noted Cambodia remained the largest recipient of South Korean Official Development Assistance and welcomed continued growth in bilateral trade.

Kim conveyed appreciation from South Korea’s president for Cambodia’s cooperation in tackling online scams, saying the efforts had contributed to the safety of Korean citizens.

The two sides also discussed expanding cooperation in infrastructure, education and digital development. Kim said the embassy would continue to promote private-sector links and support major projects in Cambodia.

They exchanged views on legal cooperation, including the development of a legal database system and the modernisation of Cambodia’s national archives.

Kim requested support to ensure celebrations marking the 30th anniversary of the re-establishment of diplomatic relations are held successfully.

Both officials pledged to further strengthen Cambodia–South Korea ties for the benefit of both countries.