Phnom penh: UK Minister for the Indo-Pacific, H.E. Ms. Rosie Winterton, embarks on her inaugural overseas visit to Cambodia, aiming to witness the country's development efforts and reinforce the burgeoning UK-Cambodia partnership.
According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, during her visit, Minister Winterton will travel to Siem Reap and Oddar Meanchey before attending meetings in Phnom Penh with Cambodian government officials. The discussions will focus on trade and investment, development, and human rights.
In Oddar Meanchey, the Minister is scheduled to visit Kok Prasat to observe a UK-funded education initiative supporting children displaced by the recent Cambodia-Thailand border conflict. The visit will emphasize the UK's commitment to sustainable peace and the full implementation of the December 2025 ceasefire.
Minister Winterton will also meet with demining experts from UK charities HALO Trust and Apopo. The UK has supported mine clearance and humanitarian recovery in Cambodia for over three decades. Since 2014, the UK has cleared land equivalent to 22,400 football pitches, returning contaminated areas to productive use.
In May, the UK announced an additional £1.6 million for mine clearance and risk education in Cambodia. This funding is projected to clear nearly 1.94 million square metres of contaminated land, supporting Cambodia's goal of becoming mine-impact free by 2030.
"Cambodia sits at the heart of a region that matters for the UK's security and prosperity. On my first overseas visit as Minister for the Indo-Pacific, I am seeing how UK support is helping communities recover from conflict and clearing landmines that threaten lives and livelihoods," stated H.E. Ms. Rosie Winterton.
In Phnom Penh, Minister Winterton is expected to meet with Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet to discuss the strong partnership between the two countries and shared priorities for the future.
The visit will also pave the way for further cooperation in education, with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding aimed at strengthening institutional partnerships, promoting knowledge exchange, and supporting skills development for Cambodia's future growth.
The British Embassy in Cambodia highlighted that the visit builds on recent UK-Cambodia engagements, including a Royal Navy ship visit, and reflects expanding cooperation in defence, education, development, trade, and investment.
British universities have also increased their presence in Cambodia, with De Montfort University and Teesside University offering UK degrees in the Kingdom, thereby enabling Cambodian students to access international higher education opportunities.
The UK affirmed that its development and humanitarian programmes continue to support security, stability, and long-term recovery in Cambodia, underscoring its commitment to sustainable peace and prosperity.