Phnom penh: The newly appointed Czech Ambassador to Cambodia has pledged to prioritise economic cooperation, tourism, and legislative exchange to further elevate the long-standing bilateral relationship between the two nations. During a meeting at the National Assembly on Thursday, Ambassador Mark©ta Kohajdov¡ met with H.E. Kitti Sethapundit Cham Prasidh, Member of the Supreme Privy Council to His Majesty the King and President of the Cambodia-Czech Parliamentarian Friendship Group, to discuss strengthening ties across multiple sectors.
According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, Ambassador Kohajdov¡ emphasised that her diplomatic mandate will focus on enhancing collaboration between both the executive and legislative bodies. "I am committed to facilitating exchange visits between our parliamentary friendship groups and fostering deeper people-to-people connections," the Ambassador stated. She further highlighted her intent to actively mobilise Czech investors and tourists to explore opportunities in Cambodia, aiming to balance the robust political relationship with increased commercial activity.
In response, H.E. Kitti Sethapundit Cham Prasidh warmly welcomed the Ambassador, noting that her presence reaffirms the enduring solidarity between the two countries. He pointed to the unique historical bond shared by the nations, specifically referencing His Majesty King Preah Bat Samdech Preah Boromneath Norodom Sihamoni, who spent his formative years studying in Prague. "The King's education in the Czech Republic remains a profound symbol of our excellent bilateral relations," he said.
While acknowledging the strong diplomatic foundation, H.E. Kitti Sethapundit Cham Prasidh noted that significant potential remains untapped in the economic sphere. He expressed gratitude for the Czech Republic's decision to convert previous Cambodian debt into development aid for education - a move that has directly supported the Kingdom's human resource development. Regarding educational cooperation, the Czech Republic has granted 19 new scholarships for Cambodian students this year. Since 1984, approximately 400 Cambodian students have pursued higher education in the Czech Republic.
H.E. Kitti Sethapundit Cham Prasidh concluded the meeting by calling for more frequent high-level visits and a broader framework of cooperation to ensure mutual growth and sustainable development for both nations.