• Society

My Best Intentions for Cambodia: New EU Envoy

• By Teng Yalirozy
• November 23, 2023 7:05 PM

PHNOM PENH – The newly appointed EU Ambassador to Cambodia hopes to find common interests with the new government, working for development and improving democracy in the country.

“I came and took up my job, maybe, some 10 days after the new government got into office. So, I now look forward to meeting all the different ministers,” Ambassador Igor Driesmans said. “I think we can find those common interests.” 

The 7th mandate government assumed office on Aug. 22 with most members being foreign-educated new blood.

Driesmans said he would meet the other ministers and partners to learn about the opportunities and work with the country.

“I'll be able to give a more educated answer once I have met them, but for sure, I think there are different priorities that the government has, which coincide with the priorities that I've just set out,” he said. 

He pointed out that the EU and Cambodia had a strong partnership spanning many fields. Driesmans, in his mandate, is looking to work on a green transition, increased trade and education for young Cambodians and professionals.

“We all know that climate change is an existential threat for Europe, Southeast Asia and the world,” the Ambassador said. “In my own home country, Belgium, we see floods and droughts that I hadn't seen in my lifetime. 

He said the EU has tried to come up with a plan, called the European Green Deal to combat climate change, having diminished CO2 emissions below 7 percent of the world's total of CO2 emissions.

“So, we want to partner with as many countries as possible. And I think Cambodia would be a natural partner for us because the impact of climate change on Cambodia is already being felt,” he said.

Trade was a focus of mutual interest, saying the European Union is Cambodia's second destination for exports.

“We want to work together to prepare Cambodia for graduating from a least a developed country,” he said.

The last priority is education. In Cambodia, 65 percent of the population is under 30, almost the opposite of European demographics.

“We see their vast potential both for the Cambodian economy and Cambodian society but also for us to partner with,” he said.

“I had the pleasure to listen to the Prime Minister and hear him speak about how he wants to attract European investment. And I think some of our businesses, were also able to explain what they would see as the necessary reforms in the country to attract more of that European investment.”

“Promoting Democracy is Our DNA”

Ambassador Driesmans said democracy, human rights, good governance and the rule of law are essential components of external action globally, reflecting our values and interests.

“Hence, it's something that we discuss with any third country, and Cambodia is no exception to that it's part of our DNA,” he said.

The EU has a number of projects with the government on public financial management to ensure transparency in accounting procurement.

“But also, I work with civil society, which we will continue because we think a vibrant civil society is good for any country,” he said.

Asked what other outstanding projects the EU is proud of, Driesmans said the COVID-19 assistance, water plants and technical education from youths and young professionals.

“One that is not so much known is that when COVID hit, we stood by the people of Cambodia,” he said. “And we were able to increase social assistance to the people so that at the end of each month, they're still able to pay their bills, electricity and food.”

The Bakheng Water Treatment Plant, which will provide drinking water for 700,000 people, is in its second phase. “We do this in partnership with our French friends,” he said.

The treatment plant was constructed under a 12.7 million euro (roughly $13 million) grant from the EU. The city's piped water will be available to some 86,000 homes in Phnom Penh's poorest areas, potentially decreasing some illnesses by as much as 26 percent.

Asked what he wanted the Cambodian people to see him as an EU Ambassador, Driesmans said, “Simply somebody that has the best intentions with the country and that wants to just improve the relationship with the European Union.”