Phnom Penh: Cambodian Acting Head of State, Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen, expressed his desire to see more growth in trade, investment, and tourism with India. He made the remarks when he received newly appointed Indian Ambassador to Cambodia, H.E. Vanlalvawna Bawitlung, at the Senate Palace in Phnom Penh this morning.

According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, Samdech Techo Hun Sen spoke highly of the existing relationship and cooperation with India in various sectors, including executive and legislative bodies. He emphasized the need to unlock greater economic potential. Although the trade volume between both nations has increased, it has not yet matched their full economic capabilities. The two-way trade currently stands at US$340 million, but there is hope for this figure to rise in the future.

The Acting Head of State also urged for more direct flights between Cambodia and India as a means to further strengthen bilateral ties between the governments, legislative bodies, and the peoples of the two countries. He expressed gratitude for India’s assistance, which has ranged from scholarships for Cambodian students and monks to vital aid since 1981, reflecting the excellent relations between both nations.

H.E. Vanlalvawna Bawitlung pledged to do his best to further deepen the relationship between India and Cambodia. The Ambassador expressed India’s readiness to work closely with Cambodia in organizing the 75th-anniversary celebrations of their diplomatic ties, underlining that cooperation in the fields of economy, trade, investment, and tourism must be jointly promoted to enhance political ties.