Kathmandu, May 14

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, who is on an official visit to Cambodia, paid a courtesy call on Samdech Vibol Sena Pheakdey Say Chhum, President of the Senate and Acting Head of State of Cambodia, this morning.

During the meeting, both leaders highlighted the traditional ties of friendship, cultural commonalities, and many other similarities between Nepal and Cambodia, and stressed the need to further promote economic and commercial cooperation, according to a press release issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Earlier this morning, Oli met Samdech Akka Moha Ponhea Chakrei Heng Samarin, President of the National Assembly, at the National Assembly of Cambodia. During the meeting, both sides exchanged views on matters of common interest, including promoting and strengthening relations between the Parliaments of Nepal and Cambodia.

Later, Oli visited National Museum of Phnom Penh. The museum, which was built in 1920, treasures the rich cultural heritage of Cambodia, including original stone statues of Hindu and Buddhist gods and goddesses.

This afternoon, Oli attended the Nepal-Cambodia Business Forum, and addressed the gathering. Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen also participated in the Forum and addressed it.

In his statement, Oli talked about the present situation of Nepal, which is marked by political stability and wholehearted focus on economic development. He enumerated the business and investment opportunities available in Nepal, and invited Cambodian business community to invest in Nepal.

Hun Sen also spoke about the economic situation of Cambodia, which has achieved 7.7 per cent economic growth for the last two decades, and which has now developed into a lower-middle income country with the objective of reaching the middle income country status by 2030. He not only invited Nepali business community to do business in Cambodia, but also encouraged Cambodian business community to give Nepal priority for business and investment, according to the MoFA press release.

Later in the evening, Oli attended a welcome programme organised by the NRNA, Cambodia. He met the Nepali community in Cambodia, listened to their views and also addressed the gathering. In his address, he spoke about the role the Nepali diaspora abroad can play in Nepal’s socio-economic development.

Foreign Minister Pradeep Kumar Gyawali also addressed the audience. In his address, Gyawali thanked the Nepali diaspora in Cambodia for their help to Nepali nationals, and encouraged them to concentrate even more in Nepal’s overall development.

Ambassador of Nepal to Cambodia Dr Khaga Nath Adhikari introduced the NRNA, Cambodia to Gyawali.