By:
• Torn Chanritheara

• September 12, 2024 , 5:15 PM

PHNOM PENH – Senate President Hun Sen has asked South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol to consider upgrading ties to the highest level of Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2027.

Hun Sen met Yoon on September 11 during his working visit in South Korea.

Cambodia and South Korea elevated relations to strategic partnership in May during Prime Minister Hun Manet’s official visit to Seoul.  

Hun Sen told Yoon that the countries should upgrade relations to comprehensive strategic partnership in the next three years on the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations.

Hun Sen said he was looking forward to the groundbreaking for the Cambodia-Korea Friendship Bridge in Phnom Penh which will be longest bridge in the country. Yoon said construction is set for 2025. 

The South Korean leader said the bridge “will be built with care and quality, symbolizing the partnership between our countries,” according to a post on Hun Sen social media.

Hun Sen also highlighted assistance from Seoul in Cambodia’s economic and infrastructure development including the rehabilitation of National Road 3, 48 and 21 while recalling Seoul’s decision to maintain flights between the countries during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Hun Sen also called for increasing investment from South Korean companies by taking advantage of the free trade agreement and the establishment of special economic zones. He also requested Yoon to increase quotas for Cambodian workers.

Hun Sen also conveyed King Norodom Sihamoni’s invitation to Yoon to make a state visit Cambodia which Yoon accepted. 

During the meeting, Yoon also urged Cambodia to protect South Koreans residing in the country who have been targeted in crimes, Yonhap reported.  

During his stay, Hun Sen also met South Korean head of National Assembly Woo Won-sik, the former head Kim Jin-pyo, former president Lee Myung-bak who was also his advisor and former UN secretary-general Ban Ki-moon.

On September 12, he was conferred an honorary degree from Dongguk Wise University.