German President Arrives in Cambodia for First-Ever Visit
Frank-Walter Steinmeier and his wife Elke Büdenbender arrived at Siem Reap International Airport earlier in the day and will be in Cambodia until Feb. 16.Photo: Isa Rohany
- By Torn Chanritheara
- February 14, 2023 7:20 PM
PHNOM PENH – German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier on Feb. 14 began a 3-day visit to Cambodia, becoming the first German head of state to visit the country.
Frank-Walter Steinmeier and his wife Elke Büdenbender arrived at Siem Reap International Airport earlier in the day and will be in Cambodia until Feb. 16.
In Siem Reap, the president toured Angkor Wat, where Germany is assisting the Apsara Authority on conservation projects, as well as Bayon and Ta Prohm temples. He also visited Halo Trust which helps mine clearance in Cambodia.
He then left for Phnom Penh for talks with Cambodian leaders. He will hold talks with Senate President Say Chhum, which is also the acting head of state as King Norodom Sihamoni is currently in China.
He will then have talk with Prime Minister Hun Sen on various aspects of bilateral and multilateral cooperation and issues of common interest, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation said.
During his stay, he will also meet with representatives of civil society and visit the Toul Sleng genocidal museum.
Cambodia and Germany established diplomatic relations in 1967.
The German president will depart for Malaysia on Feb. 16.
