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India, Cambodia Boost Ties: Heritage, Trade & Diplomacy in Focus

Indian and Cambodian officials held high-level meetings to strengthen bilateral cooperation across multiple sectors. Discussions centered on enhancing trade, investment, and development partnerships between the two nations. A key focus was on heritage conservation, including the ongoing Archaeological Survey of India-led restoration of the Ta Prohm and Angkor Wat temples. The talks also covered cultural exchanges and India's capacity-building initiatives for Cambodia, such as diplomat training.

Key Points: India-Cambodia Discuss Expanding Multifaceted Cooperation

  • Heritage conservation projects reviewed
  • Trade and investment cooperation expanded
  • Diplomatic training programs discussed
  • Cultural ties through textiles highlighted
2 min read

India and Cambodia discuss expanding multifaceted cooperation

India and Cambodia review cooperation in trade, heritage conservation, and diplomacy, including restoration of Angkor Wat by ASI.

"Discussions focused on further strengthening multifaceted cooperation between India and Cambodia. - Randhir Jaiswal"

Phnom Penh, March 23

Ministry of External Affairs Secretary, P Kumaran on Monday called on Prak Sokhonn, Cambodia's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, where both sides discussed ways to enhance cooperation between the two nations across diverse sectors.

Taking to X, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, "Secretary (East) P. Kumaran called on Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Cambodia, Prak Sokhonn. Discussions focused on further strengthening multifaceted cooperation between India and Cambodia."

He also called on Minister of Culture and Fine Arts of Cambodia, Phoeurng Sackona with discussions focused on heritage conservation projects and other areas of cultural cooperation.

On Sunday, Kumaran visited Ta Prohm Temple and Angkor Wat Temple in Cambodia's Siem Reap.

"Secretary (East) P. Kumaran visited Ta Prohm Temple in Siem Reap, Cambodia, where the Archaeological Survey of India is leading restoration and conservation efforts. Two phases have been successfully completed, with the third phase currently underway," Jaiswal posted on X.

The Angkor Wat Temple is the world's largest ancient temple complex in Cambodia and is a shared India-Cambodia civilisational heritage.

"Secretary (East) Shri P Kumaran visited the Angkor Wat Temple in Siem Reap, the world's largest ancient temple complex in Cambodia and a magnificent symbol of India-Cambodia shared civilisational heritage. From 1986 to 1993, India was the first country to extend support for its restoration," Jaiswal shared in another post on X.

Kumaran also visited the Mekong-Ganga Cooperation Asian Traditional Textile Museum in Siem Reap on Saturday, Jaiswal said, adding, "The first museum of its kind in the country, it showcases rich textile traditions from the Mekong-Ganga region, highlighting shared cultural heritage."

Last week, Kumaran held a meeting with a Cambodian delegation led by Secretary of State, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, KHY Sovanratana, and discussed expanding cooperation in trade and investments, heritage conservation and development partnership.

Following the meeting, Jaiswal took to X and posted: "Secretary (East) P Kumaran met a Cambodian delegation led by Secretary of State, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, KHY Sovanratana, to review India's capacity-building initiatives for Cambodia, including training of Cambodian diplomats at Sushma Swaraj Institute of Foreign Service (SSIFS), Ministry of External Affairs. They also discussed expanding cooperation in trade and investments, heritage conservation and development partnership."

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
As someone who has visited Angkor Wat, it's breathtaking. It's heartening to see India's continued role in its preservation. The Mekong-Ganga museum also sounds fascinating. Cultural diplomacy is so important.
V
Vikram M
Good step. But I hope these discussions translate into concrete economic benefits for our people. Trade, investment in infrastructure, and job creation should be the priority alongside cultural projects. Let's not just talk, let's execute.
P
Priya S
The shared civilisational heritage is our greatest strength. Training Cambodian diplomats at SSIFS is a brilliant initiative—building people-to-people connections for the long term. More Indian tourists should visit Cambodia to see this living history.
R
Rohit P
Always proud to see ASI's work recognized internationally. Our expertise in archaeology is world-class. Hope we can also learn from their textile traditions showcased at the museum. A true partnership goes both ways.
K
Karthik V
This is the kind of positive foreign engagement we need more of. Building bridges in Southeast Asia through culture, trade, and capacity building. It counters the influence of other powers in a very organic, respectful way. Well done MEA.

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