VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

The Indonesian Embassy in Phnom Penh, Cambodia held a Round Table Dialogue on Indonesia-Cambodia Relations for 65 Years at the Indonesian Embassy building on Tuesday (13/2). The dialogue aims at discussing aspects of relations of both countries, coinciding with the 65th anniversary of bilateral relations between Indonesia and Cambodia in 2024, precisely on February 13. Indonesian Ambassador to Cambodia, Santo Darmosumarto in the opening session of the event conveyed the dialogue aimed at taking ideas from academic discussions involving leading scholars and proposed strategies to further improve bilateral relations over the next 65 years.

Some important issues were discussed in this activity, such as the strong historical relationship between Indonesia and Cambodia, cooperation in the fields of trade, investment, tourism and infrastructure as well as the potential for partnerships in dealing with regional and global issues. The participants affirmed the importance to further strengthen the development of the ASEAN community through programs and activities that directly benefit the peoples of both countries. According to Ambassador Santo, Indonesia does not only want to be known for its services in Cambodia in the past, but also as a partner to advance Cambodia's developing economy. The Indonesian Embassy in Phnom Penh also suggested establishing a commitment between the governments of both countries to empower the young generation in shaping the future bilateral relations between Indonesia and Cambodia.

The dialogue was attended by Senior Minister Sok Siphana, Ambassador Phou Suthirak from the Center for Regional Studies of Cambodia, Vora Huy Kanthoul from the Cambodian Institute for Peace and Cooperation, and Mey Kalyan from the Cambodian Institute for Development and Resources. In addition to Indonesia from Bina Nusantara University Jakarta, Tirta Nugraha Mursitama and from the University of Indonesia, Ardhitya Yeremia. Last year, Indonesia was ranked 6th in trade partners of Cambodia, with total bilateral trade of around US$1.1 billion. Indonesia's successful leadership in ASEAN in 2023 was built on the achievements that Cambodia achieved during its ASEAN chairmanship in the previous year.