Cambodia and Maldives sign six agreements strengthening trade relations

Six agreements has been signed between the Maldives and Cambodia today.

The agreements were signed at a ceremony held at the President's Office today during Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia, Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen's two-day visit to the Maldives at the invitation of President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih.

Agreements signed:

- The Agreement on Visa Exemption for Holders of Diplomatic, Official, and Ordinary Passports

- Memorandum of Understanding on Bilateral Consultations

- Agreement on Economic Cooperation

- Memorandum of Understanding on Health Cooperation

- Memorandum of Understanding on Tourism Cooperation

- Memorandum of Understanding between the Maldives National Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Cambodia Chamber of Commerce.

The two leaders also held a joint press conference after the agreement exchange ceremony. They discussed further strengthening trade relations as Maldives is dependent on imported goods. President Solih also stated that the most important tie between two countries is the strong relationship between the people of the Maldives and Cambodia.

The President noted these agreements will help reduce food prices and further ensure their safety. He expressed interest in seeking opportunities to import rice to the Maldives from Cambodia at a competitive rate and added that the Maldives was interested in exploring options to import other agricultural produce.

Speaking about the tourism agreement, the two leaders highlighted that it would enable relevant institutions in both nations to form a working group to pursue initiatives related to marketing and promotion, establishing air links, and exchanging initiatives in the hospitality sector.

"Cambodia will be given 20 internship opportunities to work in the Maldives tourism sector. In addition, Cambodian soldiers will be given the opportunity to participate in the basic dive course conducted by the Maldives Coast Guard and two scholarships from the Maldives National University (MNU) will be offered to Cambodia," President Solih said.

The Cambodian Prime Minister said that the country has decided to offer 10 scholarship opportunities to the Maldives.

President Solih said officials from the two countries would soon begin meetings to further discuss the agreements reached today.