Nice: Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet held talks this morning with H.E. Ant³nio Costa, President of the European Council, on the sidelines of the Third United Nations Ocean Conference in Nice, France.
According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, Ant³nio Costa praised the relations between the European Union and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, alongside the EU's ongoing cooperation with ASEAN member states, including Cambodia. He commended Cambodia's efforts in developing its legal framework, particularly the advancement of the Fisheries Law, and showed interest in deepening relations and cooperation with the Kingdom. He also acknowledged Cambodia's broader development achievements.
In response, Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet expressed gratitude for the EU's contributions to Cambodia's socio-economic development through joint projects. He hoped that the EU would continue to be a strong partner, especially as Cambodia prepares to graduate from Least Developed Country status by 2029.
Addressing challenges in the fisheries sector, the Prime Minister noted Cambodia's implementation of measures, including the promotion of the Fisheries Law, which has passed the National Assembly and is under Senate review. He highlighted Cambodia's commitment to sustainable development, aiming to increase renewable energy to 70 percent by 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, despite being a low emitter of carbon dioxide.
Samdech Thipadei emphasised Cambodia's commitment to liberalisation and multilateralism amid global uncertainty. He stated that military force is not a priority in Cambodian policy, understanding the consequences of conflict, especially from landmines and unexploded ordnance due to decades of civil war.
The Prime Minister also accepted President Costa's invitation to visit the EU headquarters in Brussels at a convenient time to discuss further opportunities to strengthen and expand Cambodia-EU relations and cooperation.