Germany has opened an Honorary Consulate in Siem Reap province to promote cooperation with Cambodia.
Ambassador of Germany to Cambodia Stefan Messerer, and Deputy Governor of Siem Reap province Yun Linne, co-presided over the inauguration ceremony of the Honorary German Consulate in Siem Reap City on Monday.
Linne said that Siem Reap authorities pledged at the inauguration of the consulate to strengthen and promote the relationship of cooperation and solidarity shared by Germany and Cambodia in order to assist Cambodia with its economic development.
“Building solidarity and cooperation (with Germany) has really contributed to the development of the country and the world, and I would like to warmly congratulate and welcome the opening of the German Honorary Consulate in Siem Reap, which shows strong friendship between both countries,” he said.
Ambassador Messerer expressed his belief that the opening of this new consulate will be an important step to further expand relations between the two countries, which are important partners in trade and tourism.
He added that the achievements of this office also show that Cambodia and Germany have the same vision with a strong focus on business and economic development.
Germany also appointed Torsten Münther as the first Honorary Consul at the German consulate in Siem Reap.
According to the Germany Embassy to Cambodia’s Facebook page, this appointment marks a significant milestone in the relations between Germany and Cambodia, highlighting their commitment to deepen cooperation in commerce, tourism, culture and economic development.
It also noted that with over 20 years of experience in Cambodia, Münther brings invaluable expertise to this role. His work with the German Development Cooperation (GIZ) and contributions to economic policy and private sector development have made him a well-respected figure in the community.
He is also currently running Fair Trade Village, located in Siem Reap City. His new office as consul will serve the provinces of Siem Reap, Banteay Meanchey, Oddar Meanchey and Preah Vihear.
Münther expressed his gratitude for this opportunity and pledged to strengthen the bonds between the two countries through economic development and cultural exchange.
According to the German Foreign Office in February, 2024, Germany actively supports Cambodia’s development and democratisation process.
The Foreign Office stated that the cornerstone of relations is the extensive official and non-governmental development cooperation between the two countries. To date, over €540 million (about $580 million) have been pledged for official development cooperation.
It said that diplomatic relations between Cambodia and Germany were established in 1967 and then suspended between 1969 and 1993. Cambodia and the German Democratic Republic (East Germany prior to unification) maintained diplomatic relations from 1969 to 1975 and from 1979 until the reunification of the two German states.
