Russia invites Hun Sen to visit as two countries mark 70 years of ties
Russia invites Hun Sen to visit as two countries mark 70 years of ties
PHNOM PENH, Aug. 24, 2026 — Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen said on Monday that a visit by Russia’s deputy foreign minister would help strengthen ties between the two countries, as Moscow expressed interest in inviting him to visit Russia again.
Hun Sen made the remarks during a meeting with Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Igor Rudenko at the Samdech Hun Sen-Samdech Chea Sim-Hun Sen Solidarity Palace in Phnom Penh, according to Chea Thirith, a spokesman for the Cambodian Senate.
Hun Sen noted that 2026 marks the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Cambodia and Russia, describing the relationship as a longstanding one.
He also highlighted his own role in developing bilateral ties, dating back to his time as Cambodia’s foreign minister and continuing during his tenure as prime minister, when he made several visits to Russia and held talks with successive Russian leaders.
Hun Sen thanked the Russian government for its continued support for Cambodia, particularly in the area of human resource development and training.
He welcomed discussions between Rudenko and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet on trade and economic cooperation, describing those areas as central to bilateral relations.
Rudenko praised Hun Sen’s role in promoting Cambodia-Russia relations and Cambodia’s role on the international stage, according to the Senate spokesman.
Rudenko also briefed Hun Sen on Russia’s policies and efforts to increase bilateral trade and economic cooperation.
He conveyed that Russian President Vladimir Putin was awaiting Hun Sen’s visit to Russia in the near future.
Hun Sen responded that he was reviewing and assessing possible dates for the trip and would visit Russia when a suitable time could be arranged.
Hun Sen also said Cambodia was prepared to receive a visit from the chairman of Russia’s United Russia party, which is expected to travel to Cambodia, according to the spokesman.
The meeting comes as Cambodia and Russia mark seven decades of diplomatic relations and seek to expand economic and trade cooperation.
