Phnom Penh: Russian Ambassador to Cambodia, H.E. Anatoly Borovik, has voiced optimism for the continued deepening of educational and broader traditional dialogue between Russia and Cambodia. Speaking at a reception celebrating Russia Day on June 11 evening at Sofitel Phnom Penh Phokeethra, Ambassador Borovik underscored the enduring educational relationship between the two nations. He noted that over 8,000 Cambodian citizens have pursued higher education in Russia and former Soviet universities throughout decades of bilateral ties.
According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, the event saw the attendance of H.E. Mrs. Eat Sophea, Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Cambodia, alongside numerous dignitaries and a significant presence of Cambodian alumni from Russian universities. Ambassador Borovik expressed his pleasure at seeing so many Cambodian graduates. "We are committed to continuing the development of this sector and have increased the number of scholarships offered to Cambodian students to 55," he announced.
He further emphasized Russia's strong appreciation for its cultural partnership with Cambodia, highlighting the upcoming Russia Cultural Day in Cambodia in 2025 as an event expected to foster greater bilateral cultural exchange. H.E. Ambassador stated that the rich historical experiences, cultural traditions, and constructive cooperation between Russia and Cambodia would continue to generate new opportunities for expanding practical collaboration and mutually beneficial exchanges.
H.E. Anatoly Borovik also noted that the celebration commemorated the 35th anniversary of the Declaration of State Sovereignty of the Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic, issued on June 12, 1990, marking a new chapter in Russia's modern history. "Since then, we have overcome numerous challenges and have strengthened our sovereignty and economy," he remarked.
Reaffirming Russia's steadfast support for developing nations, including Cambodia, the ambassador declared, "We continue to stand for equality, sovereignty, non-interference in internal affairs, and opposition to neocolonialism." "Cambodia is among Russia's closest friends," H.E. Borovik asserted. "Moscow and Phnom Penh share a traditional friendship. The Soviet Union played a vital role in Cambodia's post-conflict reconstruction following the fall of the Khmer Rouge regime. Today, we continue this dynamic cooperation."
He also highlighted advancements in political and inter-parliamentary cooperation. This included the United Russia party's participation in the 12th General Assembly of the International Conference of Asian Political Parties (ICAPP) in November 2024, and a delegation from Cambodia's ruling Cambodian People's Party attending the 43rd Standing Committee meeting of the same body in Perm, Russia, in May 2025. Additionally, Cambodian representatives participated in international forums such as the 4th Eurasian Women's Forum, meetings of the Standing Committee of the Asian Parliamentary Assembly on Social and Cultural Issues, and the 11th Nevsky International Ecological Congress.
The ambassador underscored the growing significance of economic, trade, and business relations, citing the 11th session of the Russia-Cambodia Intergovernmental Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific and Technical Cooperation in April 2025. He also noted a meeting between Russian and Cambodian business representatives in Moscow in May to explore expanded cooperation in agriculture, logistics, tourism, construction, and pharmaceuticals.
Cooperation in the security sector is also increasing, with Cambodian institutions participating in international law forums in St. Petersburg, high-level security meetings, and discussions on cybersecurity and information technology. A key milestone in military cooperation was the recent port call by a Russian naval vessel in Preah Sihanouk province, which the ambassador hopes will initiate continued naval and defense collaboration. Finally, Ambassador Borovik emphasized the growing relationship between law enforcement agencies, highlighting the historic first visit to Cambodia by Russian Prosecutor General Igor Krasnov as a significant moment in the ongoing development of bilateral ties.