Phnom Penh: Indian Ambassador to Cambodia, H.E. Vanlalvawna Bawitlung, has formally requested permission from the Phnom Penh Municipal Administration to host a food festival featuring culinary delights from several nations, including Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, India, Vietnam, and Myanmar. The event is tentatively scheduled for Mar. 22, 2025. The request was made during a courtesy call on Phnom Penh Municipal Governor, H.E. Khuong Sreng, at Phnom Penh Capital Hall this afternoon.

According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, Ambassador Vanlalvawna Bawitlung emphasised the longstanding diplomatic relations between India and Cambodia, spanning millennia. He highlighted India’s significant contributions to Cambodia, including support in education, human resource development through scholarships, and the restoration of ancient temples, notably Ta Prohm and Preah Vihear.

“Our strong diplomatic ties have also led to the establishment of direct flights between India and Phnom Penh, and we plan to expand this with direct flights to Siem Reap,” the Indian diplomat stated. He further noted the presence of over 5,000 Indian nationals residing and working in Cambodia, primarily in Phnom Penh, and expressed gratitude to the municipal authorities for ensuring their safety and security, as well as the protection of the Indian Embassy.

In reply, H.E. Governor Khuong Sreng provided an overview of Phnom Penh’s history, including the devastating impact of the Khmer Rouge regime. He credited the leadership of former Prime Minister and current President of the Senate Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen for the nation’s remarkable recovery and development since the liberation on Jan. 7, 1979. The Governor also addressed the challenges posed by the city’s growing population, now exceeding three million, particularly traffic congestion, which the administration is actively addressing.

In response to the ambassador’s request for the food festival, the Phnom Penh Municipal Governor granted approval for the event to be held in front of Wat Ounalom. This location aligns with the city’s ongoing development of a pedestrian walkway, “Walk Street,” which will enhance accessibility and create a vibrant atmosphere for the festival. The governor highlighted the success of the Walk Street project, which has attracted an estimated 40,000 to 50,000 visitors per day, both local and international. He also expressed optimism that the food festival would further boost tourism and cultural exchange.