Cambodia and Austria Pledge to Strengthen and Expand Bilateral Cooperation

Cambodia and Austria Pledge to Strengthen and Expand Bilateral Cooperation

Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet met with H.E. Sepp Schellhorn, State Secretary at the Federal Ministry for European and International Affairs of the Republic of Austria, on the sidelines of the Third United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3) in Nice, France, on June 9.

During the meeting, Samdech Thipadei expressed his gratitude to the Government and people of Austria for their continued support in several key areas, including mine action, human resource development, and the operations of the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia (ECCC).

He underscored the potential for broader cooperation between the two nations and emphasised the importance of establishing a bilateral consultation mechanism. He urged the respective Ministries of Foreign Affairs to expedite discussions on the matter, with the goal of reviewing past collaboration and identifying new opportunities for partnership.

In response, H.E. Sepp Schellhorn reaffirmed Austria’s commitment to working with Cambodia, particularly in mine clearance and human resource training. He also welcomed young Cambodian diplomats to pursue studies at the Diplomatic Academy of Vienna, and requested Cambodia’s support for Austria’s candidacy for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council for the 2027–2028 term.

Besides, the two leaders exchanged views on climate change issue. Samdech Thipadei highlighted Cambodia’s ongoing efforts to address environmental challenges, noting the country’s initiatives aimed at sustainability and a green energy transition. He reaffirmed Cambodia’s goal of increasing the use of renewable energy to 70 percent by 2030, up from the current 62 percent.