New Zealand Foreign Minister’s Visit to Cambodia Strengthens Security, Trade and Regional Cooperation

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (Dec. 1, 2025) — New Zealand Foreign Minister Rt. Hon. Winston Peters has wrapped up a two-day official visit to Cambodia, underscoring both countries’ commitment to deepen political, economic and security ties.

Peters visited Phnom Penh Nov. 28–29 at the invitation of Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn. He held talks with Sokhonn and paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Hun Manet, with both sides reaffirming what they described as strong and longstanding bilateral relations.

Sokhonn highlighted New Zealand’s role in Cambodia’s peace process and post-conflict reconstruction since the early 1990s, particularly in mine clearance and human-resource training.

Peters commended Cambodia’s recent economic and social progress and pledged continued support for its development.

Both foreign ministers stressed the need for regular political engagement, welcoming ministerial consultations held in Wellington in August and agreeing to make the dialogue mechanism a key platform for future cooperation.

Citing the growing threat of transnational crime, including online scams, the ministers vowed to strengthen security collaboration and work more closely to combat regional criminal networks.

They also encouraged institutions to explore untapped potential in trade and investment, particularly in agriculture, and to promote greater economic complementarity.

Tourism and education exchanges were reaffirmed as priorities, with Sokhonn thanking New Zealand for longstanding training programs that have contributed to Cambodia’s human-capital development.

The two sides also exchanged views on regional and international developments, pledging to support each other’s core interests in multilateral forums.

Sokhonn briefed Peters on Cambodia’s implementation of the Kuala Lumpur Joint Declaration signed with Thailand in October, reiterating Cambodia’s commitment to fulfilling its obligations.

At the conclusion of the visit, Peters thanked the Cambodian government for its hospitality and invited Sokhonn to visit New Zealand, an invitation the Cambodian minister accepted.