PM Lawrence Wong at the Official Lunch Hosted by Cambodia PM Hun Manet

Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet
Lok Chumteav Pich Chanmony
Excellencies
Distinguished guests
Ladies and gentlemen

I am honoured to be here in Cambodia for my introductory visit as Prime Minister, and I thank Prime Minister Manet for the warm hospitality extended to me and my delegation.

My visit takes place as Singapore and Cambodia mark the 60th anniversary of diplomatic ties. Throughout this year, we have marked this milestone with several joint activities – including the participation of a Cambodian delegation led by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Civil Service Hun Many in our Chingay Parade, as well as a vibrant showcase of Cambodia’s rich cultural heritage at our Gardens by the Bay.

When Singapore became independent in 1965, Cambodia was amongst the first countries to recognise our sovereignty. Cambodia was one of just five countries where Singapore first opened its overseas missions.

Our ties, as Prime Minister Manet said just now, were built on the strong foundation laid by then-Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew and His Majesty King-Father Norodom Sihanouk. It is a foundation of mutual respect, trust and friendship that continues to guide our relationship today.

Over the last 60 years, our relationship has continued to grow from strength to strength.

Today, Singapore is one of Cambodia’s largest investors and trading partners.

And we are also steadfast partners in human development.

Through the Singapore Cooperation Programme and the Initiative for ASEAN Integration, Singapore has welcomed almost 19,000 Cambodian officials for training programmes – in areas like public health, digital governance and public administration.

Many of these courses are conducted right here in Phnom Penh, at the Cambodia-Singapore Cooperation Centre.

During this period, Cambodia itself has made remarkable strides, transforming from a post-conflict society to a rapidly developing nation.

And today, under the leadership of Prime Minister Manet, Cambodia has charted an ambitious Pentagonal Strategy to achieve high-income status by 2050.

Singapore will continue to walk alongside Cambodia in this development journey.

And this morning, Prime Minister Manet and I discussed several priority areas of cooperation which will benefit both our countries.

First, we are working together to build a greener and more interconnected ASEAN by deepening cooperation in renewable energy. And we are working on a project to import low-carbon electricity from Cambodia, which will be one of the key building blocks for the ASEAN Power Grid.

Second, we are working together on high-quality carbon markets, including an Implementation Agreement on Carbon Credits. This will mobilise financing for clean-energy projects, uplift rural communities and improve livelihoods, while enabling both our countries to hit our net-zero goals.

And third, we are deepening cooperation in agri-trade because Cambodia is a key agricultural exporter, while Singapore imports almost everything we eat, and we are keen to diversify our sources of food imports. So closer collaboration in this area will be mutually beneficial for both our countries.

Fourth, we will continue to strengthen ASEAN centrality and unity. In this uncertain global environment, it is more important than ever for ASEAN to stay cohesive, uphold open channels of dialogue, and work together to resolve our differences peacefully. Only then can we preserve our relevance, and continue advancing the region’s collective interests.

I am confident that with Prime Minister Manet’s support and leadership, we will continue to deepen our bilateral partnership and expand our cooperation for win-win outcomes, and deliver meaningful benefits for both our people.

So distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, may I now invite you to join me in a toast:

To the good health and longevity of His Majesty King Norodom Sihamoni and Her Majesty Queen-Mother Norodom Monineath Sihanouk;

To the continued good health and success of Prime Minister Manet and Dr Chanmony;

To the peace, progress and prosperity of Cambodia; and

To the enduring friendship between Cambodia and Singapore.

Cheers!