During the talks, the Head of State emphasized that Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet’s first visit to Kazakhstan would open a new chapter in bilateral relations and help translate shared intentions into concrete action.
“This year marks the 32nd anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between our two countries. Over the years, our states have maintained a constructive political dialogue and consistently developed mutually beneficial cooperation. Our shared vision for the future will be formally enshrined in the Joint Statement we will adopt today. We will also sign a number of documents. Kazakhstan regards Cambodia as a reliable partner in Southeast Asia and an important link in expanding our partnership with ASEAN countries,” the President said.
Kassym-Jomart Tokayev noted the active engagement between Kazakhstan and Cambodia on the international stage, including through the work of their respective Permanent Missions to the United Nations. He highly appreciated Cambodia’s support for Kazakhstan’s initiatives on a number of issues on the UN General Assembly agenda.
The Head of State highlighted Cambodia’s socioeconomic achievements under Hun Manet’s leadership. According to the President, Kazakhstan supports the Cambodian leadership’s efforts to implement the country’s long-term strategic goals outlined in the Cambodia Vision 2050 program and the Pentagonal Strategy.
Kassym-Jomart Tokayev emphasized the considerable potential for strengthening cooperation in high technology.
“I am aware that you and members of your delegation have a keen interest in the measures our country is taking to advance artificial intelligence. Today, you will visit the Alem.ai International Centre, where our specialists will brief you on the achievements and key developments in this field. According to the UN E-Government Development Index, our country is demonstrating positive momentum, including in related areas. I am confident that, with mutual interest and firm political will, we can achieve significant progress in expanding cooperation across many areas of mutual interest,” the Head of State said.
In turn, Prime Minister Hun Manet underscored the special nature of the cultural and humanitarian ties between the two countries.
“More than 120 Cambodian students have studied in Kazakhstan. Many of them now hold responsible positions in government institutions, including as governors of several provinces, state secretaries and officials in various ministries. Thus, our countries are connected by a shared history and strong people-to-people ties,” the Prime Minister noted.
According to Hun Manet, Cambodia is also interested in developing cooperation in food security, agriculture and manufacturing.
Both leaders expressed confidence that the high-level talks would significantly increase bilateral trade, strengthen business ties and open up new prospects for partnership between Kazakhstan and Cambodia.
Following the talks, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and Hun Manet adopted a Joint Statement.
In the presence of the President of Kazakhstan and the Prime Minister of Cambodia, an exchange ceremony was held for the following intergovernmental and interagency documents:
1. Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications of the Kingdom of Cambodia;
2. Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development of the Republic of Kazakhstan, National Information Technologies JSC, and the Ministry of Interior of the Kingdom of Cambodia on cooperation in the Fields of Digital Government, GovTech and Information and Communication Technologies;
3. Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Trade and Integration of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Ministry of Commerce of the Kingdom of Cambodia on Trade and Economic Cooperation;
4. Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Culture and Information of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts of the Kingdom of Cambodia on Cooperation in the Fields of Culture and Arts;
5. Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Tourism and Sports of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Ministry of Tourism of the Kingdom of Cambodia on Cooperation in the Field of Tourism;
6. Memorandum of Understanding on the Establishment of Twin-City Relations between Astana and Phnom Penh.
