AKP Phnom Penh, January 28, 2026 --

Permanent Deputy Prime Minister H.E. Vongsey Vissoth has lauded Australia as a “pivotal and trusted” development partner, noting that Canberra has funneled approximately 1.4 billion (AUD2 billion) into Cambodia since the 1990s, with a primary focus on human capital development.

Speaking at a reception to mark Australia Day 2026 on Tuesday evening, H.E. Vongsey Vissoth, who also serves as the Minister in Charge of the Office of the Council of Ministers, emphasised the enduring nature of the bilateral bond. The event was held at the Australian Embassy in Phnom Penh and attended by senior lawmakers, diplomats, and private sector leaders.

"Since diplomatic ties began in 1952, Australia has demonstrated unwavering support for Cambodia’s sovereignty and nation-building efforts, regardless of shifting regional and global dynamics," he told the gathering.

The Deputy Prime Minister highlighted the deepening economic ties, noting that bilateral trade reached approximately US$600 million in 2025. He expressed confidence that these figures would continue to climb, bolstered by the Australia-Cambodia Development Partnership Plan 2025-2029, which aligns Canberra’s aid with Cambodia’s "Pentagonal Strategy Phase 1."

H.E. Vongsey Vissoth underscored Cambodia’s commitment to the ASEAN-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. He noted that the Kingdom values Australia's firm stance on a rules-based international order and ASEAN Centrality.

The Deputy Prime Minister also extended gratitude for Australia’s recent humanitarian assistance to displaced persons and praised Australian Ambassador H.E. Derek Yip for his proactive role in strengthening diplomatic and economic bridges between the two nations.

By K. Rithy Reak