Senate President Hun Sen Friday said that Cambodia and Malaysia must strive to push their trade volume to $2 billion amid enhancing economic exchanges, trade, investment, and tourism between the two countries.
The suggestion was made during a meeting between Mr Hun Sen and Tan Sri Dato Dr Johari bin Abdul, Speaker of Malaysia’s House of Representatives at the Senate Palace in Phnom Penh.
Johari was on a three-day official visit to the Kingdom of Cambodia at the invitation of National Assembly President Khuon Sudary.
Welcoming the visiting dignitary and his delegation, Mr Hun Sen expressed delight at reuniting with old friends since he last met in July 2023.
He apprised Johari about his decision to step down as Prime Minister at the height of his popularity and strength, describing it as a move toward lasting peace and stability while avoiding the historical turmoil that Cambodia has faced over the past 500 years during leadership transitions.
In response, Johari expressed his gratitude for the warm reception accorded to him and his delegation and lauded Mr Hun Sen as a legendary figure whose sacrifices and leadership serve as a model for world leaders.
He appreciated Mr Hun Sen’s role in fostering national unification, reconciliation, and peace, which has brought Cambodia stability and progress across various sectors.
Johari also recalled his first visit to Cambodia in 2000, contrasting it with the remarkable progress the country achieved today. He credited these achievements to Mr Hun Sen’s visionary initiatives and leadership.
Johari encouraged ASEAN’s next generation of leaders and youth to study and follow Hun Sen’s heroic example and achievements, considering him a role model and a highly respected leader in Southeast Asia.
Additionally, he congratulated Cambodia on its successful leadership transition and praised Prime Minister Hun Manet describing him as a dynamic and visionary young leader of ASEAN.
He emphasized Malaysia’s commitment to strengthening cooperation with Cambodia in trade, investment, banking, and educational opportunities, including scholarships for Cambodian students to study in Malaysia.
“ASEAN should grow together because we have the people, resources, and mutual understanding as a regional bloc. We must build trust and solidarity to coexist peacefully as good neighbours,” Johari said.
Johari called for closer collaboration between Malaysia’s Parliament and Cambodia’s National Assembly, government, and people to strengthen bilateral and ASEAN relations further.
Mr Hun Sen thanked Johari for highlighting the strong relations and cooperation between the two countries and the progress within ASEAN.
He reflected on Cambodia’s past challenges and noted that unity, peace, and unprecedented development had been achieved under his leadership.
Mr Hun Sen congratulated Malaysia on hosting the 46th and 47th ASEAN Summits and thanked Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar bin Ibrahim for appointing him as an Advisor on ASEAN affairs, calling it a great honour.
He also appreciated the growing number of high-level visits between the two countries and expressed full support for Johari’s leadership as President of the 46th ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA), anticipating its success under his guidance.
While appreciating the surge in bilateral trade between the two countries over the past year, the Senate President reiterated further raising the trade volume to promote economic growth, trade, investment, and tourism.
“Our two countries should aim to increase the trade volume to $2 billion to further promote economic growth, trade, investment, and tourism,” Mr Hun Sen said.
Recalling the Covid-19 pandemic has underscored the importance of closer trade relations among ASEAN member countries, Mr Hun Sen cited a proverb: “Close trade is better than distant trade.”
He highlighted the potential of the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) to elevate ASEAN’s resilience and capacity.
Trade between Cambodia and Malaysia reached about $865 million during January to December 2024, a jump of 36.9 percent compared to the same period previous year, according to the data of the General Department of Customs and Excise of Cambodia (GDCE).
While Cambodia’s exports to Malaysia reached $147 million during the period, rising by 40.3 percent year-on-year, the imports reached $718 million, showing an increase of 36.2 percent.
