PHNOM PENH – Cambodia has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Iran to strengthen tourism cooperation, marking a key step in the Kingdom’s efforts to expand into the Middle Eastern market and diversify its visitor base.

The MoU, signed on November 10, aims to deepen friendship and collaboration between the two governments and their peoples.

Tourism Minister Huot Hak met with Iran’s Minister of Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts during the 26th UN Tourism General Assembly in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where the agreement was finalized.

Iran, an economic powerhouse in the Middle East with a population of over 92 million, is the world’s 17th most populous country and the second-largest in the region. Officials believe the new partnership could encourage a growing number of Iranian travelers to visit Cambodia’s cultural and heritage attractions.

The launch of direct flights between Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates and Phnom Penh through Etihad Airways is also expected to make travel between the two regions easier and more accessible.

Chhay Sivlin, president of the Cambodia Tourism Association, welcomed the MoU, describing it as an opportunity for Cambodia to lessen its dependence on traditional tourism markets and boost the industry’s resilience.

“The collaboration will not only help diversify Cambodia’s tourism market but also enhance service quality as the country positions itself as a Muslim-friendly destination,” Sivlin said.

She noted that Iranian travelers generally have a strong interest in cultural, traditional, and heritage tourism—areas where Cambodia has much to offer.

“If we continue to improve our tourism services, Cambodia could also attract more Muslim tourists from other Southeast Asian nations,” Sivlin added.

Given Iran’s deep cultural traditions, she said both countries have much to learn from each other through exchanges in tourism management, marketing strategies, and human resource development.