Phnom Penh: At the invitation of New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters, Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Prak Sokhonn paid an official visit to New Zealand from March 12 to 13, 2026, to strengthen and expand bilateral cooperation.
During the visit, Prak Sokhonn attended a working breakfast and held bilateral talks with Peters. The two foreign ministers discussed stronger bilateral cooperation and exchanged views on regional and international issues of common interest.
On politics and security, both sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the longstanding friendship and cooperation between Cambodia and New Zealand. They also welcomed continued high-level visits and close cooperation against transnational crime.
On the economy and development, the two sides welcomed growth in bilateral trade in recent years and recognised substantial potential for further economic cooperation. They encouraged relevant institutions and business communities in both countries to continue promoting trade and investment.
Cambodia thanked the New Zealand government for an additional NZ$7.5 million in assistance for demining in Cambodia, describing it as an important contribution to development and public safety.
On education and people-to-people ties, the two sides stressed the importance of stronger human connections as a major pillar of bilateral relations. Prak Sokhonn also thanked New Zealand for supporting Cambodian human-resource development through Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships, English-language training for civil servants and other training programmes.
They exchanged views on regional and international developments and reaffirmed their shared commitment to peace, security and stability in the region. Prak Sokhonn welcomed the upgrading of ASEAN–New Zealand relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2025 and underlined Cambodia’s support for stronger cooperation and economic integration through AANZFTA and RCEP.
On the Cambodia–Thailand border situation, Prak Sokhonn discussed recent developments in depth with the New Zealand side and thanked New Zealand for supporting a peaceful resolution of the dispute.
During the visit, Prak Sokhonn also met Cambodian community members and students living and studying in New Zealand, thanking Cambodians for their active contributions to the country’s multicultural society.
Prak Sokhonn thanked the New Zealand government and Peters for warmly receiving the Cambodian delegation. Both sides expressed confidence that the visit would further strengthen friendship and expand mutually beneficial cooperation. Written by KPS99TV
