Cambodia, EU reaffirm ties ahead of joint committee talks

PHNOM PENH, March 27, 2026 (KPT) – Cambodia and the European Union reaffirmed their commitment to deepening cooperation as senior officials met in Phnom Penh ahead of a key bilateral committee session.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn held talks on March 25 with Paola Pampaloni of the European External Action Service, joined by Brigadier General Danail Baev of the EU Military Staff. Pampaloni is in Cambodia for the 13th Cambodia EU Joint Committee.

Prak Sokhonn hailed what he called growing and dynamic ties with the EU and its member states, crediting cooperation for socio economic gains and improved living standards.

He pointed to initiatives such as the EU’s Global Gateway strategy and broader “Team Europe” programmes as drivers of progress.

Pampaloni said relations were on a “positive trajectory” and reaffirmed Brussels’ support for Cambodia’s bid to graduate from Least Developed Country status and move towards upper middle income status.

She praised nearly three decades of EU assistance.​ The Cambodian minister also thanked the EU for humanitarian aid and peace support, while briefing the delegation on recent developments along the Thai border.

Both sides discussed wider ASEAN EU cooperation and pledged to strengthen ties in support of peace, stability and sustainable development.