The key facts

  • Erdogan and Hun Manet held talks at the Dolmabahce residence in Istanbul
  • The bilateral trade target of $1 billion set in 2018 has not yet been reached
  • Turkey helped more than 3,000 people affected by clashes on the Cambodia-Thailand border

Talks in Istanbul

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Sunday held bilateral talks and expanded-format meetings with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet at the presidential Dolmabahce residence in Istanbul, after which the sides spoke at a joint press conference. Erdogan said he regards Cambodia, with which relations have been growing rapidly in recent years, as an 'important partner' in Southeast Asia.

Trade and defense

Erdogan recalled that in 2018, during the visit to Turkey of then Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen, the sides agreed to raise bilateral trade to $1 billion. According to him, efforts to achieve this goal continue. A Turkish-Cambodian business forum was held the same day, which, Erdogan expressed hope, will strengthen business ties. He also welcomed Cambodia's interest in Turkish defense industry products and said that cooperation in trade, investment, energy, culture and education was discussed.

Humanitarian projects and Gaza

Erdogan noted the contribution of projects by the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA) and the Yunus Emre Institute to strengthening ties between peoples, as well as support for Cambodian students under the Turkiye Scholarships program. On the Palestinian issue, he welcomed Cambodia's participation in efforts to achieve peace in Gaza: 'Cambodia's participation as a founding member of the Gaza Peace Council is highly welcomed. I believe Cambodia will continue to contribute to efforts on Palestine on the basis of the two-state solution.'

Border dispute with Thailand

Touching on Cambodia's border dispute with Thailand, Erdogan expressed hope that it would be resolved 'through dialogue and peaceful means in accordance with international law.' He added that Turkey continues to support civilians affected by the clashes: Turkish authorities, together with Cambodian colleagues, have helped more than 3,000 people, and humanitarian aid will continue.