Nepal and Cambodia have agreed to strengthen cooperation in tackling human trafficking, online scam operations and other forms of transnational crime, while also expanding collaboration in trade, tourism, public health and education.
KATHMANDU, JULY 6
Nepal and Cambodia have reaffirmed their commitment to closer cooperation against human trafficking, cybercrime and online scam operations during a high-level bilateral meeting in Phnom Penh on Monday.
Nepal's Ambassador to Cambodia, Dhan Bahadur Oli, met Eat Sophea, Permanent Secretary of State at Cambodia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, where the two sides agreed to enhance coordination among relevant agencies to combat transnational organised crime, strengthen intelligence and information sharing, and build institutional capacity.
Ambassador Oli thanked the Royal Government of Cambodia for its support in rescuing Nepali nationals from online scam compounds operating in the country, according to the Embassy of Nepal.
The meeting also focused on expanding bilateral cooperation in public health after Nepal recently organised a free eye treatment camp in Cambodia's Kampong Cham Province through the joint efforts of Nepal Netra Jyoti Sangh and the Lumbini Eye Institute and Research Center (Rana-Ambika Eye Hospital) in collaboration with Cambodian partners.
Cambodia appreciated the initiative, while Nepal expressed readiness to provide technical training in eye care and organise another advanced eye treatment camp in response to growing demand.
The two sides also discussed strengthening economic ties through enhanced trade and investment, supported by appropriate bilateral agreements and institutional mechanisms. They agreed to explore greater collaboration in education, agriculture and tourism.
Highlighting the tourism potential between the two countries, both sides stressed promoting Buddhist and cultural tourism by strengthening links between Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha, and Angkor Wat, Cambodia's renowned cultural and religious heritage site.
The officials also underscored the need to convene the Bilateral Consultation Mechanism between the foreign ministries of Nepal and Cambodia at the earliest to review existing cooperation and identify new areas of partnership.
The meeting concluded with both sides reaffirming their commitment to deepening longstanding bilateral relations across multiple sectors.