Phnom Penh, May 11, 2026 – The Europe Today: A delegation of Turkmenistan led by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Ahmet Gurbanov held a series of high-level meetings with representatives of the Government and business community of the Kingdom of Cambodia during a visit to Phnom Penh from May 8 to 9, 2026, aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation across multiple sectors.
During a meeting with Cambodia’s Permanent Secretary of State and Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Eat Sophea, both sides expressed satisfaction over the successful organization of the first political consultations between the foreign ministries of the two countries. The consultations were described as a continuation of previously reached agreements and an important step toward diversifying interstate relations.
The discussions focused on enhancing partnership in the political, diplomatic, trade, economic, cultural, and humanitarian spheres. Both parties emphasized the importance of maintaining regular political dialogue, strengthening governmental and parliamentary contacts, and expanding the legal framework governing bilateral cooperation.
The two sides also underscored the significance of closer coordination within international organizations, particularly the United Nations, through mutual support for initiatives promoting global peace and sustainable development.
Economic cooperation featured prominently during talks between the Turkmen delegation and President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Cambodia Neak Oknha Kith Meng. The Turkmen side highlighted the importance of establishing direct business-to-business contacts and proposed intensifying cooperation through business forums, trade missions, and thematic online meetings.
Priority areas identified for future collaboration included digital trade, participation in international exhibitions, exchange of business delegations, promotion of export potential, support for small and medium-sized enterprises, and the establishment of ties between free economic zones and industrial clusters.
As part of the visit, Deputy Foreign Minister Gurbanov also met with Cambodia’s Minister of Tourism Huot Hak to discuss opportunities for joint initiatives in the tourism sector. Both sides described tourism as an effective means of promoting closer ties between peoples and cultures.
The discussions also covered the exchange of expertise in tourism management and the promotion of the cultural and historical heritage of both countries at the international level. To further advance tourism cooperation, the two sides agreed to work toward the development and signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation in the field of Tourism.
At the conclusion of the meetings, Turkmenistan and Cambodia reaffirmed their commitment to building a long-term, trust-based partnership and expanding mutually beneficial cooperation in various sectors.
