AKP Phnom Penh, March 03, 2026 --

Cambodia’s Minister of Rural Development, H.E. Chhay Rithisen, met with South Korean Ambassador H.E. Kim Chang Yong on Tuesday to discuss strengthening bilateral cooperation in the rural sector, according to a ministry statement.

During the talks, H.E. Rithisen briefed the newly appointed ambassador on Cambodia’s development progress, linking it to the Royal Government’s long-term goal of achieving high-income status by 2050 under its Pentagonal Strategy-Phase I. He outlined the Ministry's priorities under the National Policy on Rural Development 2025-2035, which focuses on accelerating rural integration, boosting household incomes, and improving well-being.

H.E. Minister thanked South Korea for its support in sectors including education, healthcare, infrastructure, and vocational training. He noted the two sides were scheduled to jointly preside over the groundbreaking ceremony for a community development centre in Takeo province later in the day.

In reply, Ambassador Kim commended Cambodia’s development trajectory and shared insights from South Korea’s own experience with rural transformation. 

He reaffirmed Seoul’s commitment to collaborating with the Royal Government of Cambodia to accelerate progress in rural reas.

H.E. Chhay Rithisen welcomed the pledge, expressing confidence that bilateral ties would continue to deepen.

By K. Rithy Reak