Phnom Penh: The First Vice President of the Cambodian Senate, H.E. Prak Sokhonn, has announced Cambodia’s support for Timor-Leste’s application for membership in the World Trade Organisation (WTO). He also highlighted the positive bilateral cooperation between the two nations during a meeting at the Senate Palace in Phnom Penh with H.E. Ermenegildo Kupa Lopes, Ambassador of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste to Cambodia.

According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, H.E. Prak Sokhonn remarked on the significant development in relations between Cambodia and Timor-Leste, citing the exchange of visits between top leaders of both countries. These exchanges include the historic visit of former Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen to Timor-Leste in 2016, along with subsequent visits by the President and Prime Minister of Timor-Leste to Cambodia.

During the meeting, the Senate First Vice President reiterated Cambodia’s continuous support for accelerating Timor-Leste’s process of becoming
a full-fledged member of ASEAN. Meanwhile, H.E. Ermenegildo Kupa Lopes commended Cambodia for its achievements during its 2022 ASEAN chairmanship and its support in coordinating with other ASEAN Member States to accept Timor-Leste as a member after an 11-year application period.

H.E. Ermenegildo Kupa Lopes also praised Cambodia’s efforts in aiding Myanmar’s peace-seeking initiatives. Furthermore, he conveyed an invitation from the President and Prime Minister of Timor-Leste to Samdech Techo Hun Sen, currently the President of the Senate, to visit Dili once more to express appreciation for his significant contributions to peace-building in the region.