AKP Phnom Penh, March 17, 2025 --

Cambodia and China have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation in water resources management, aiming to bolster sustainable development and address climate challenges.

The meeting between Cambodian Minister of Water Resources and Meteorology, H.E. Thor Chetha, and Chinese Minister of Water Resources, H.E. Li Guoying, took place in Phnom Penh this morning.

H.E. Minister Thor Chetha emphasised the enduring friendship and crucial partnership between the two nations, particularly in the realm of water resources. He expressed gratitude for China's consistent support, highlighting its role in Cambodia's progress towards achieving her 2050 high-income country vision.

"China's unwavering support is vital for our sustainable development goals," stated H.E. Minister Thor Chetha.

"Their assistance in water resources management is instrumental in enhancing our agricultural productivity and resilience against natural disasters," said the Cambodian Minister, outlining key priorities of his ministry, including the modernisation of irrigation systems, improved weather forecasting, and enhanced transboundary water cooperation. These initiatives align with the first phase of Cambodia's Pentagonal Strategy, which prioritises essential infrastructure and technology, including water resources.

During the discussions, H.E. Minister Thor Chetha proposed several areas for enhanced collaboration: Increased investment in water infrastructure: Focusing on modernising irrigation systems to boost agricultural output; Capacity building and technology transfer: To improve water resources management practices; Expansion of hydrometeorological networks: To enhance early warning systems for natural disasters; Joint research and innovation: In water conservation and climate resilience.

Both ministers pledged to strengthen the "Golden Framework of Cooperation," aiming to build a high-quality, high-standard, and high-level Cambodia-China community with a shared future.

"This meeting reinforces our commitment to addressing global challenges through collaborative efforts," said H.E. Minister Li Guoying. "We are dedicated to supporting Cambodia's sustainable development and building a prosperous future together." The meeting underscored the mutual commitment to advancing sustainable development and addressing global challenges through strengthened bilateral collaboration.

This event marks a significant step in the ongoing partnership between Cambodia and China, reflecting their shared vision for a sustainable and prosperous future.

By K. Rithy Reak