Conversation with Prime Minister of Cambodia Hun Manet

President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Mr Prime Minister,

Let me begin by saying that Cambodia is our long-standing friend and partner. We marked 70 years of diplomatic relations in May of this year. As is widely known, our country assisted Cambodia in its state-building efforts. It was with the USSR's backing that Cambodia built a major hospital and a technology institute, and launched energy, agricultural, telecommunications, maritime and transport infrastructure facilities. Many of these structures continue to serve Cambodians to this day.

Relations between Russia and Cambodia have retained their positive momentum in today's world. Last year, mutual trade increased by 2 percent. This is a low figure which, of course, does not match our potential. Our respective governments are working on expanding trade and economic ties. These matters were on the agenda of a meeting between the co-chairs of the bilateral intergovernmental commission which took place here in Kazan this morning. Ms Lut is the co-chair representing Russia in this commission.

We are looking forward to expanding our business-to-business contacts. In November 2025, representatives of major Russian companies, including Avtovaz, Gaz, KamAz and Miratorg, visited Cambodia. A Cambodian delegation attended the St Petersburg International Economic Forum on June 3-6. We invite our companies to take part in the Eastern Economic Forum on September 1-4 and in Russian Energy Week in Moscow in October 2026.

Our two countries have been stepping up cooperation on cultural and humanitarian affairs. Held in Phnom Penh in March, the Days of Russian Culture were a great success.

We continue to help train professionals for Cambodia. Over 8,000 Cambodians have received higher education in Russia. At present, we have about 160 Cambodian students, and a further 63 scholarships have been approved for your country this academic year.

Mr Prime Minister, as I said, we have long-standing ties. The volume of our cooperation is growing, and we are very pleased about this. Once again, welcome to Russia. We have a great deal to discuss.

Prime Minister of Cambodia Hun Manet (retranslated): Thank you, Mr President.

First of all, allow me to congratulate you on the success of the Russia-ASEAN Summit, which marks 35 years of dialogue relations. I would also like to express gratitude to the Government and friendly people of Russia for the hospitality extended to my delegation.

It is a great honour for me to convey the best regards of His Majesty King Norodom Sihamoni and President of the Senate Hun Sen to Your Excellency and the leadership of Russia. I congratulate the people of Russia on Russia Day, which you recently celebrated.

We have a rich history of relations. This year, we will mark 70 years of our diplomatic ties, and throughout these years, Cambodia has highly valued its traditional friendship and long-term cooperation with the Russian Federation.

We always remember with gratitude the support and assistance which the Soviet Union extended to Cambodia in 1979, during the most difficult period in our history. We are grateful to Russia for the contribution it made to the socioeconomic development of Cambodia, despite the changing global landscape.

We continue to foster relations with Russia and China on the basis of common interests. Russia remains an important and reliable partner of our country. Russia is playing an important role in regional and global affairs, in particular, within the UN, and in elevating the role of the Global South and improving connectivity with the Asian region.

I hope we will have fruitful talks and advance our cooperation to a new level.

Thank you.

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