(Phnom Penh): Cambodian Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn expressed deep appreciation to Australia for granting an additional 3 million Australian dollars to strengthen Cambodia’s social protection program amid the global impacts of the Middle East crisis, according to a press release seen by Fresh News on Monday (Aug. 3).

The foreign minister’s remarks were made during his bilateral meeting with Anne Aly, Australia’s Minister for International Development, Minister for Small Business, and Minister for Multicultural Affairs, during her official visit to Cambodia from 29 to 31 July 2026.

On the occasion, Anne Aly stated that Australia is truly proud to have contributed to Cambodia’s socio-economic development and reaffirmed Australia’s commitment to continue providing further assistance to Cambodia.

The Cambodian foreign minister recalled with gratitude Australia’s historic contributions to Cambodia’s peace, stability, and reconstruction process since the early 1990s. Australia's support has spanned peacekeeping operations and multifaceted Official Development Assistance (ODA) across key sectors, including: healthcare and education, agriculture and agro-industry, mine action and demining initiatives.

Both parties also exchanged views on regional and international developments of mutual concern and reaffirmed their commitment to support each other’s core interests and to work together to promote peace, stability, and prosperity through cooperation in international fora.

The two ministers also noted with satisfaction the growth in bilateral trade over the past four years and recognised that there remains potential for further expansion. Cambodian foreign minister encouraged Australian businesses to explore investment opportunities in Cambodia’s priority sectors, including education, agriculture, agro-industry, clean energy, minerals, and health services.

As 2027 marks the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Cambodia and Australia, the two countries are committed to further strengthening their relationship. They also look forward to jointly organising activities to commemorate this historic anniversary.

During the meeting, Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn informed Anne Aly about the ongoing Thailand-Cambodia conflict and emphasized that Cambodia has provided the Australian Embassy in Cambodia with extensive information on the issue.
=FRESH NEWS