Background
On the morning of February 19, 2026, Deputy Prime Minister Vongsey Vissoth, responsible for the Office of the Council of Ministers, received South Korean Ambassador Kim Chang Yong at the Council Office. This meeting marked the formal start of cooperation discussions following Kim Chang Yong’s appointment as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Korea to Cambodia.
Scope of Application
The discussions covered multiple sectors influencing Cambodia-Korea relations, including socio-economic development support, labor migration, bilateral trade under the Free Trade Agreement (FTA), and collaborative measures on combating online scams.
Key Provisions or Decisions
The Deputy Prime Minister expressed appreciation for the Republic of Korea’s sustained support via approximately US$2 billion in loans and the acceptance of around 70,000 Cambodian workers in Korea. He acknowledged notable growth in bilateral trade framed by the ASEAN-Korea FTA and referenced the elevation of relations to a “strategic partnership” in 2024.
Both parties emphasized the high potential for further expanding cooperation in economic, technological, and trade fields. Additionally, Cambodia reaffirmed its commitment, under the leadership of Prime Minister Hun Manet, to eradicating online scams through prevention, suppression, education, and international collaboration, with Korea as a key partner in this effort.
Implications for Investors, Businesses, or Compliance
The meeting signals an ongoing strategic partnership between Cambodia and South Korea, which provides a stable and supportive environment for investors and businesses involved in bilateral trade and labor exchanges. Enhanced joint efforts on cybersecurity and fraud prevention may also improve the business climate.
Official Source
Office of the Council of Ministers Facebook Post, 19 February 2026
