Phnom penh: H.E. Huot Hak, Minister of Tourism, welcomed H.E. Michel Parys, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Kingdom of Belgium to the Kingdom of Cambodia, for a courtesy call to discuss enhancing tourism cooperation between Cambodia and Belgium.
According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, the meeting also addressed Belgium's participation in the Village Francophonie side event during the 20th Francophonie Summit, set to be hosted by Cambodia in Phnom Penh this November. During the discussions, H.E. Huot Hak expressed gratitude towards Belgium for its ongoing support in fostering the long-standing friendship and cooperation between the two nations.
H.E. Huot Hak provided an overview of Cambodia's current political, economic, social, and tourism landscape, emphasizing the country's reputation as a peaceful and welcoming destination for international tourists. He introduced the Ministry's promotional campaigns, "Cambodia: Kingdom of Wonder, Feel the Warmth" and "Visit Cambodia in Green Season," aimed at attracting more visitors year-round.
The Minister highlighted the increase in Belgian visitors and investors in Cambodia's hospitality sector, describing these as a solid basis for expanding bilateral tourism cooperation. The discussions included potential collaborations such as an MoU on tourism cooperation, organising FAM trips for tour operators, journalists, and content creators, hosting a Cambodia-Belgium Tourism Investment Forum, and promoting B2B partnerships to enhance tourism and investment between the countries.
H.E. Michel Parys reaffirmed the robust bilateral relations between Cambodia and Belgium, emphasizing cooperation in investment and people-to-people exchanges. He confirmed Belgium's participation in the 20th Francophonie Summit with a high-level delegation and their involvement in the Village Francophonie event organized by Cambodia's Ministry of Tourism.
Diplomatic relations between Cambodia and Belgium began in 1955 and were renewed in 1992, leading to over three decades of friendship and cooperation.