By Lee Jon-young

National Assembly Speaker Kim Jin-pyo returned home from Cambodia and Malaysia tour on Sept. 14. During his visit, Speaker Kim focused on strengthening trade, investment, and development cooperation with Cambodia, a key ASEAN member, and expanding cooperation in various fields such as defense and infrastructure with Malaysia, which is celebrating the 40th anniversary of its East Asian policy, as well as spreading support for the 2030 Busan Expo across ASEAN countries.

In Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia, Kim, who is the first South Korean parliament speaker to make an official visit to Cambodia in eight years, met with National Assembly Speaker Kuun Sodary, Senate President Sai Chhum, Prime Minister Hun Manet, and former Prime Minister Hun Sen, among others, and held lively discussions on topics such as upgrading the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, defense exchanges, expanding work permits for Cambodian workers, and affirming firm support for the Busan Expo 2030.

While meeting with National Assembly Speaker Kuun Sodary, Kim said, "The Korea-Cambodia Free Trade Agreement (FTA), which came into effect in December last year, and the Korea-Cambodia MOU on Customs Mutual Assistance, which was signed in April this year, have boosted trade and investment between the two countries. Currently, more than 340 Korean companies have entered various sectors such as construction, finance, manufacturing, and agriculture, contributing to the economic development of both countries." 

"I am particularly pleased that we are actively promoting the 'Korea-Cambodia Friendship Bridge Project' through the External Economic Cooperation Fund (EDCF). We look forward to Cambodia's support in this endeavor to help ASEAN countries and the countries along the Mekong River to strengthen mutually beneficial cooperation."

Kueun Sodhari told Kim, "Cambodia has much to learn from Korea, an IT powerhouse and an agricultural powerhouse. Cambodia is still lacking in technology in food cultivation and production. In addition to agricultural technology transfer, I would like to request that our National Assembly staff receive training in digital administration at the National Assembly of Korea."

Speaker Kim said, "Since the re-establishment of diplomatic relations in 1997, the amount of trade has increased about 20 times, and high-level exchanges between the two countries have been actively conducted since the 25th anniversary of the re-establishment of diplomatic relations last year." 

Kim continued to say, "Just as Cambodia was able to successfully bid for the 2002 Korea-Japan World Cup with Korea's support, I hope we will be able to successfully bid for the Expo with Cambodia's support this time."

In response, Prime Minister Hun Manet said, "Without Korea's support, it would be difficult for Cambodia to develop. I hope that the ongoing Korea-Cambodia Free Trade Agreement (FTA), participation in the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), and the 'Korea-Cambodia Friendship Bridge' project will continue to be promoted. I also strongly hope that the two countries will be upgraded to a 'Comprehensive Strategic Partnership'."

Kim thanked Cambodian People's Party (CPP) Chairman Hun Sen, saying, "Twenty-three years have passed since my first personal visit to Cambodia, and Cambodia has now risen to the center of the Mekong-ASEAN region. This is all thanks to the outstanding leadership of Mr. Hun Sen."

 
Chairman Hun Sen said, "Unlike other countries, South Korea maintained direct flights during COVID-19, without which Cambodia would have been completely isolated from the outside world. Opportunities for Cambodian workers to work in South Korea continue to increase, and various projects are being implemented through ODA. As a representative of the Cambodian National Party, I hope to continue our cooperation through the National Assembly."