Hun Manet Says Cambodia’s Position on Russia Will Not Change
Hun Manet Says Cambodia’s Position on Russia Will Not Change
KAZAN, June 19, 2026 – Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet told Russian President Vladimir Putin that Cambodia’s policy towards Russia would remain unchanged despite evolving geopolitical dynamics, reaffirming Moscow as a long-term and trusted partner during a bilateral meeting in Kazan.
The meeting took place on Thursday on the sidelines of the ASEAN-Russia Commemorative Summit marking the 35th anniversary of dialogue relations between ASEAN and Russia.
Putin highlighted the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Russia and Cambodia and recalled the Soviet Union’s assistance in Cambodia’s post-1979 reconstruction, including support for hospitals, technical institutes, energy infrastructure, agriculture, telecommunications and maritime transport.
The Russian leader said bilateral trade grew by 2% in 2025 but remained below its potential, adding that both governments were working to expand trade and investment. He also invited Cambodian businesses to participate in Russia’s Eastern Economic Forum in September and Russian Energy Week in October.
Putin noted growing cooperation in culture and education, saying more than 8,000 Cambodians had graduated from Russian universities, while around 160 Cambodian students are currently studying in Russia under scholarship programmes.
Hun Manet said 2026 marked the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries and thanked Russia for its longstanding support to Cambodia, particularly following the collapse of the Khmer Rouge regime in 1979.
“Despite changes in the geopolitical landscape, Cambodia’s position on its relations with Russia remains unchanged,” Hun Manet told Putin.
“Based on political trust, mutual support, respect and shared interests, Russia remains Cambodia’s long-term and trusted partner,” he said.
Hun Manet also praised Russia’s continued role in regional and global affairs, including its support for the United Nations, the Global South and ASEAN-Russia cooperation.
