Cambodia, Europe Agree on Bilateral Cooperation

By Soy Sophea


Cambodia will benefit from at least half the aid the European Union (EU) plans to provide for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), said James Moran, Director for Asia in the European Commission’s Directorate-General for External Relations.

Moran addressed crowds at a March 3 press conference in Phnom Penh following a one-day, closed-door meeting with the Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Hor Namhong.

“EU is considering allocating 70 million euro (about US$87 million) of aid for ASEAN, with at least half of it, Cambodia will benefit,” Moran said.

Although 2009 has been a tough year for all economies, Moran said the EU will still keep its market open and try to grant more orders for Cambodia. Cambodia has maintained good trade relationship with EU, which was the second largest importer of its garment products.

Moran added that the international status of Cambodia has improved, and it has been chosen as the location for a ministerial meeting between EU and ASEAN in May.
The European Commission (EC) and the Royal Government of Cambodia concluded their 5th Joint Committee in Phnom Penh on March 3.

EC-Cambodia Joint Committees are held about once a year and serve as an important platform for policy dialogue and review of bilateral cooperation. Topics on this year’s agenda included, amongst others, the Commission’s support for the Khmer Rouge Tribunal, including efforts to strengthen its management; the global financial crisis and its impact in Cambodia; governance and human rights issues; and bilateral trade. The partners also reviewed the portfolio of cooperative projects, including a new EC “Food Facility” program that, with substantial allocation, will provide support to strengthen Cambodia’s food security.

“It is very important for closepartners to have this regular dialogue. It allows us to have a frank and constructive exchange of views on our cooperation portfolio, as well as subjects of international political and strategic importance,” Moran said.

Moran said Cambodia has secured peace and political stability and over the past year, has achieved signifi cant economic growth. EC will work with Cambodia through dialogues and partnerships to continue progressing all aspects of the country’s.

“Both Cambodia and the EU believe that democracy and respect for human rights are a necessary basis for political and economic stability,” he said.

The Joint Committee includes specific sub-groups covering development cooperation, trade and investment, institution building, administrative reform, legal and judicial reforms, and governance and human rights. The legal basis for the Joint Committee is provided by the Cooperation Agreement between the European Community and the Kingdom of Cambodia, which was signed in 1997.