PHNOM PENH – The United Kingdom’s King Charles III has extended his congratulations to the Cambodian people on the occasion of the 72nd anniversary of Independence Day, expressing hope to further strengthen bilateral relations, particularly in addressing environmental challenges.

“My wife and I are delighted to send Your Majesty and the people of the Kingdom of Cambodia our warmest congratulations on the auspicious occasion of your National Day,” King Charles wrote in a letter to His Majesty King Norodom Sihamoni.

The British monarch praised the enduring friendship between the two kingdoms, noting that the United Kingdom was “so pleased that our nations share such strong ties.”

“I look forward to strengthening our friendship further,” he added.

King Charles also expressed his “hope and strong ambition” for the two countries to work together in tackling climate change and other pressing environmental challenges that “affect us all globally.”

Cambodia and the United Kingdom established formal diplomatic relations in 1953, the same year Cambodia gained independence from France. The relationship has continued to grow in the modern era, with expanding cooperation across various sectors, including political ties strengthened through exchanges of high-level visits.

Trade and people-to-people connections have also deepened, with the UK continuing to support Cambodia’s efforts to achieve sustainable development.

In trade, the UK ranked 10th among Cambodia’s trading partners in 2024, with a total trade volume of $1.012 billion, up 16 percent from 2023. In the first nine months of 2025, the volume reached more than $824 million.