PHNOM PENH: Prime Minister Hun Manet has reaffirmed Cambodia’s commitment to maintaining strong ties with Russia, describing Moscow as a “longstanding and reliable partner” despite shifting geopolitical dynamics.
He met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Kazan, Russia, as Cambodia and Russia celebrate the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations, a milestone Hun Manet said reflects decades of friendship, political trust and mutual support.
“Despite the changing geopolitical landscape, Cambodia’s position on its relations with Russia remains unchanged, based on political trust, mutual support and respect, and shared interests,” Manet noted, during the bilateral meeting.
“Russia remains a longstanding and reliable partner of Cambodia,” he added.
The remarks signalled Phnom Penh’s intention to continue deepening cooperation with Moscow across political, economic and international affairs, while maintaining its long-standing foreign policy of friendship with diverse global partners.
Manet began his remarks by congratulating Putin on Russia’s successful hosting of the recent Eurasian summit and expressed appreciation for the hospitality extended to the Cambodian delegation.
He also conveyed greetings from King Norodom Sihamoni and Senate president Hun Sen to Putin and the Russian leadership, while extending congratulations on Russia’s recent National Day celebrations.
“This year marks a milestone in our shared history – the 70th anniversary of our diplomatic relations,” Manet said.
“Over the past seven decades, Cambodia has attached great importance to the friendship and long-lasting cooperation with Russia,” he added.
The Cambodian premier devoted a significant portion of his speech to recalling the Soviet Union’s historical assistance during one of Cambodia’s most difficult periods.
“We always remember with deep gratitude the invaluable assistance and support of the former Soviet Union extended to Cambodia during our most difficult time in history following the fall of the Pol Pot regime in 1979,” he said.
The Soviet Union was among the countries that provided diplomatic, educational and technical assistance to Cambodia during the country’s post-war reconstruction.
Thousands of Cambodian students and professionals received training in Soviet institutions, creating enduring ties between the two countries.
Hun Manet said Cambodia also appreciates Russia’s continued contribution to the country’s socio-economic development over the years.
Beyond bilateral relations, he praised Russia’s role in regional and international affairs, saying Cambodia values Moscow’s contributions to strengthening the UN system, amplifying the voice of the Global South and promoting regional connectivity.
“Cambodia highly values Russia’s continued important role in regional and global affairs, including advancing the role of the UN, enhancing the voice of the Global South and promoting Eurasian connectivity,” he said.
The meeting also highlighted opportunities to expand cooperation in trade, investment, development and people-to-people exchanges as both countries seek to strengthen their partnership in the years ahead.
Manet said he looked forward to discussions with Putin on elevating bilateral ties to a new level.
The Cambodia-Russia relationship dates back to 1956 when the former Soviet Union and Cambodia established diplomatic relations.
Over the decades, ties have evolved from post-conflict assistance and educational cooperation to broader engagement covering trade, energy, agriculture, tourism and international cooperation.
The Kazan meeting underscored that, even amid evolving global alliances and geopolitical tensions, Cambodia sees Russia as an enduring strategic partner with whom it intends to maintain close and mutually beneficial relations. - The Phnom Penh Post/ANN
