Diplomacy: Cambodia and historical partner Cuba vow to strengthen ties and expand cooperation

Cambodian Foreign Minister His Excellency Sok Chenda Sophea and Cuban Ambassador to the Kingdom Milena Caridad Zaldivar vowed to strengthen ties through concrete actions under existing bilateral agreements during a courtesy call by the new ambassador on 10 June 2024.

Cambodian Foreign Minister His Excellency Sok Chenda Sophea and Cuban Ambassador to Cambodia Milena Caridad Zaldivar

Both sides also agreed to expand cooperation into potential new areas, including agribusiness, rice production and investment.

The Cambodian Foreign Minister expressed his satisfaction with the progress of cooperation and relations between Cambodia and Cuba. He expressed his full support for Ambassador Zaldivar's successful tenure. He also conveyed Cambodia's gratitude for Cuba's invaluable assistance during the 1980s.

Ambassador Zaldivar recalled the strong bonds of friendship between Cuba and Cambodia and between the past and present leaders of the two countries. She praised Cambodia's remarkable achievements and economic growth under the current leadership and reaffirmed Cuba's commitment to deepening cooperation with Cambodia, particularly in the areas of agriculture, sports, health and educational exchanges.

Both sides expressed their commitment to work together towards the effective implementation of signed bilateral MoUs and agreements, and to explore ways to expand cooperation to other areas. They reaffirmed the enduring relationship between Cambodia and Cuba established in the 1960s, a legacy of the late King Father Norodom Sihanouk and Fidel Castro, which has evolved into a multi-faceted relationship.

The two parties also discussed ways to promote trade and business through activities such as trade fairs in each other's countries. They expressed the hope that the forthcoming Third Political Consultations between the two Foreign Ministries in Havana later this month would be a good opportunity to discuss and implement existing agreements and explore other dimensions of future cooperation.

History

Cuba and the Kingdom of Cambodia established diplomatic relations on 15 April 1960. A year and a few months had passed since the triumph of the Cuban Revolution, in a context in which the Caribbean island was expanding its relations with other Asian countries. Since then, these relations have passed all the tests. The relations of friendship, cooperation, mutual assistance and support between Cuba and the Kingdom are unbreakable, even in the most difficult moments.

Even geographical distance has not been an obstacle. These ties are one of the legacies of the historic leader of the Cuban Revolution, Supreme Commander Fidel Castro Ruz, and King Norodom Sihanouk. Both were also founders of the Non-Aligned Movement and their ideas of progress, peace and justice contributed to mutual respect and admiration.

Throughout these six decades, the bilateral relationship has cherished indelible moments, such as the opening of the Cuban Embassy in Cambodia by Raúl Valdés Vivó in 1967, in the midst of a war for national independence. Melba Hernández, a Cuban heroine, was accredited here on 23 March 1979 as the first Cuban ambassador to Cambodia from Vietnam. This is another memorable moment in the relations between our countries. Both leaders were key figures in the history of the Cuban Revolution.

In 1979, the first medical brigade went to Phnom Penh to help rebuild the health system after the liberation from the genocidal Khmer Rouge regime. More doctors came in the early part of this century, providing services through the Comprehensive Health Programme, while many young Cambodians studied medicine in Cuba. The Caribbean island offers a scholarship programme for Cambodian youth. The Association of Cambodians Graduated in Cuba promotes solidarity between Havana and Phnom Penh.