Phnom Penh (FN), Jan. 26 – “Close economic ties are not reflected only in terms of trade, investment, and infrastructure cooperation, but also through developing partnership towards a more sustainable and green way of living,” stated Indonesian Ambassador Santo Darmosumarto during his meeting with Cambodian Minister of Environment Eang Sophalleth, on 25 January 2024 in Phnom Penh.

Ambassador Santo congratulated Minister Eang and his team for the various achievements made in the first 100 days of the Royal Government of the 7th Mandate. In particular, the Ambassador applauded efforts presently being carried out to cut down on the use of plastic in the Cambodian people’s daily activities.

The two dignitaries exchanged views on various areas of potential cooperation, including biodiversity and environmental protection, climate change, circular economy, carbon trading, and green energy development. They underlined the need for Indonesia and Cambodia to work together in showcasing what each country has achieved in efforts to pursue sustainable, green development.

The meeting highlighted the important role of the millennials and GenZs in promoting a change in attitudes among the public towards more green and sustainable way of living. “There is potential for exchanges in community-based programs to empower small and medium enterprises, for example to convert waste into valuable items such as handicrafts and apparel,” Ambassador Santo said. He also expressed the growing interest among Indonesian start-ups to explore potential cooperation in carbon trading programs.

Ambassador Santo conveyed interest in developing cooperation in new and renewable energy. While renewable energy may account for more than half of Cambodia’s energy supply, he believes that there remains ample room for cooperation in this field, for example through community-based, micro hydropower projects. This would open new opportunities for further enhancing the economic cooperation between the two countries, after 65 years of diplomatic relations.
=FRESH NEWS