Phnom Penh: Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia, received H.E. Dato' Sri Tiong King Sing, Minister of Tourism, Arts, and Culture of Malaysia, this afternoon at the Peace Palace in Phnom Penh.
According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, H.E. Dato' Sri Tiong King Sing expressed his appreciation for the strong relationship and cooperation between Malaysia and Cambodia, particularly in the tourism sector. He emphasised the important role of tourism as a catalyst for economic growth, job creation, and cultural exchange. To further strengthen this sector, the Malaysian minister reaffirmed his country's commitment to deepening and expanding tourism ties with Cambodia through enhanced people-to-people exchanges. He added that the tourism ministries of both countries will continue to collaborate in promoting tourism, including cultural and artistic tourism.
For his part, Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet warmly welcomed H.E. Dato' Sri Tiong King Sing and his delegation to Cambodia, and congratulated Malaysia on successfully hosting the 46th ASEAN Summit and related meetings. He concurred with the minister's remarks on the importance of tourism in fostering economic development and regional connectivity. He also recalled his previous meeting with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, during which both leaders agreed to strengthen cooperation in key areas, including tourism.
The Cambodian Premier expressed his satisfaction with the recent establishment of direct flights between Cambodia and Penang, while also underscoring the potential to further expand air connectivity. In this context, he encouraged the tourism ministries of both countries to intensify collaboration, including the development of joint tourism packages.
Moreover, Samdech Thipadei urged both sides to explore opportunities for sub-national tourism cooperation-such as city-to-city and province-to-province partnerships-to further promote mutual understanding and cultural exchange.