Relations with Australia Under the New Government

[CEOCambodiaNews]

Cambodia, Australia pledge continued cooperation
Orm Bunthoeurn | Publication date 24 September 2023 | 11:38 ICT

Prime Minister HM and Australian foreign minister Penny Wong engaged in discussions aimed at fortifying bilateral relations and resolving differing viewpoints. The talks took place on the sidelines of the 78th UN General Assembly (UNGA 78) in the US’ New York City on September 22.

Manet communicated Cambodia's dedication to improving the human rights situation and reinforcing democratic principles, according to his social media post after the meeting.

He informed Wong of ongoing administrative and judicial reforms, the authorisation for thousands of NGOs to operate and the extension of the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) field office, among other initiatives.

In response, Wong conveyed her government's intention to continue collaborating with the Kingdom to fulfill mutual goals.

“She [Wong] also emphasised Australia’s commitment to overcoming obstacles and differences between the two nations, and to supporting one another in all aspects with high responsibility,” the post said.

Manet and Wong also explored other potential areas of cooperation, including education, scholarships, trade and additional initiatives.
https://www.phnompenhpost.com/national/ ... ooperation

[CEOCambodiaNews]

https://en.freshnewsasia.com/index.php/ ... 07-37.html

[CEOCambodiaNews]

Visit from the Police Chief of the Australian Embassy to the Chief of Immigration in the Kingdom of Cambodia

General Department of Immigration: On the afternoon of Tuesday, September 26, 2023, His Excellency Lt. Gen. Sok Veasna, Director General of the General Department of Immigration, met with the Police Chief of the Australian Embassy in the Kingdom of Cambodia who paid a courtesy call on his colleagues.

To begin with, HE Lt. Gen. Sok Veasna, Director General of the General Department of Immigration, welcomed the delegation of the Australian Embassy in the Kingdom of Cambodia and informed that the General Department of Immigration is ready to cooperate in coordinating the work as requested by the Australian Embassy.

Anthony Maguire, Police Chief of the Australian Embassy, praised the recent cooperation between the General Department of Immigration and the Australian Embassy in Cambodia, emphasizing the importance of cooperation and mutual support regarding law enforcement.
From the Facebook page of the General Department of Immigration in Cambodia

[CEOCambodiaNews]

Cambodia-Oz trade dips 8.5%
Hin Pisei | Publication date 02 October 2023 | 21:17 ICT
Cambodia's exports to Australia reached $236.92 million in the first eight months of 2023, marking a six per cent decline from the $252.16 million recorded during the same period last year, according to the General Department of Customs and Excise (GDCE). Concurrently, imports from Australia dropped by 13.8 per cent, from $115.23 million to $99.29 million.

This puts the total trade volume between the two countries at $336.21 million, a decrease of 8.5 per cent from the previous year’s $367.39 million. Despite this decline, Cambodia’s trade surplus with Australia grew by $137.63 million. Currently, Australia ranks as the country’s 17th largest trading partner.

Speaking to The Post on October 2, Cambodia Chamber of Commerce (CCC) vice-president Lim Heng highlighted Australia’s growing importance as a trade partner, noting a consistent rise in Cambodian goods in the Australian market. Products predominantly exported to Australia include textiles, bicycles and an array of agricultural goods. In contrast, the country’s imports from Australia mainly include electronics, pharmaceuticals and vehicles.
https://www.phnompenhpost.com/business/ ... de-dips-85

[Jerry Atrick]

Visit from the Police Chief of the Australian Embassy to the Chief of Immigration in the Kingdom of Cambodia

They look like they're planning a Pike fishing outing

[CEOCambodiaNews]

Australia finance NGOs, 49 major community projects
Ry Sochan | Publication date 03 October 2023 | 21:03 ICT
Australia has pledged A$7.9 million ($5 million) to support 26 Australian NGOs in collaboration with Cambodian counterparts, aiming to initiate 49 community projects across all provinces.

Australian deputy ambassador Andreas Zurbrugg announced the commitment during the “Australia-Cambodia NGO Consultation 2023”, which saw participation from over 70 local and international civil society organisations.

“As part of civil society, they significantly complement the government’s role, particularly in remote and vulnerable communities,” Zurbrugg said, expressing his country’s appreciation for the NGOs operating within the Kingdom, citing their vast expertise, extensive local networks and their longstanding contributions to the nation’s growth.

“These discussions are a precursor to the many more we intend to have in the upcoming months. Our goal is to craft a new development partnership plan that will guide the trajectory of our future collaborative efforts with Cambodia. As part of this endeavour, we will be liaising closely with representatives from the Cambodian government, academia, the business sector, civil society and other key stakeholders,” he said.
https://www.phnompenhpost.com/national/ ... y-projects