Cambodia and Bangladesh Agree to Deepen Cooperation in Trade, Security, and Socio-Cultural Sectors

Cambodia and Bangladesh Agree to Deepen Cooperation in Trade, Security, and Socio-Cultural Sectors

Phnom Penh, 23 December 2025 — The first Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Kingdom of Cambodia and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh took place today in Phnom Penh.

The meeting was co-chaired by H.E. Dr. Un Kheang, Secretary of State of Cambodia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and H.E. Dr. Md. Nazrul Islam, Secretary (Bilateral) & Inspector General of Mission of Bangladesh’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Delegations from both sides included representatives from relevant ministries and institutions.

During the consultations, both countries exchanged views on recent political and socio-economic developments and regional and international issues. Cambodia welcomed Bangladesh’s briefing on its progress toward expected graduation from the Least Developed Country (LDC) status in 2026 and expressed appreciation for the insights shared on Bangladesh’s development experiences.

The two sides agreed to enhance cooperation in priority areas including trade and investment, tourism, health, agriculture, fisheries, and people-to-people exchanges. They also emphasized the importance of regular diplomatic dialogues, high-level visits, and the effective use of existing bilateral mechanisms, including the Joint Commission and the Foreign Office Consultations, to deepen Cambodia-Bangladesh relations.

On trade and investment, both parties welcomed the upward trend in bilateral trade and encouraged closer coordination among relevant institutions to expand investment flows and optimize existing trade frameworks. Defense and security cooperation was also reaffirmed as a confidence-building measure, supporting institutional capacity building, peace, and stability.

The consultations highlighted the importance of consular cooperation in safeguarding the rights and welfare of citizens and socio-cultural cooperation in connectivity, tourism, health, and agriculture. Both sides encouraged the expedited implementation of pending agreements and MoUs to further promote people-to-people exchanges and socio-economic development.

During his visit, H.E. Dr. Md. Nazrul Islam also held a courtesy call with H.E. Eat Sophea, Permanent Secretary of Cambodia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, where they discussed regional and international issues, including the recent Cambodia-Thailand border developments.

The 1st FOC concluded in a friendly and constructive atmosphere, reflecting mutual understanding and a shared commitment to strengthen and expand bilateral and multilateral cooperation. Both sides agreed to convene the 2nd FOC in Bangladesh at a mutually convenient date.

Bangladesh expressed sincere appreciation for the warm welcome and hospitality extended by Cambodia during the visit.