President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has announced the government of the Maldives has decided to offer educational opportunities and human resource development to Cambodians. He made the announcement while delivering a joint statement following bilateral talks and the exchange of key agreements between the two countries as part of the official visit of Prime Minister Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen.
In the joint statement, President Solih noted the interest of Cambodian citizens in working in the Maldivian tourism industry. He said the Maldives has proposed 20 opportunities to complete internships at different resorts, opportunities to participate in the Basic Dive Course conducted by the Maldives Coast Guard for the Cambodian defense personnel, and offered two scholarship opportunities to study at the Maldives National University (MNU). Prime Minister Hun Sen also announced the Cambodian government's decision to offer ten scholarship opportunities for Maldivian students to study in higher educational institutions in Cambodia.
In their statement, President Solih and Prime Minister Hun Sen shed light on the common challenges and concerns facing the two countries, shared similar ideas and concepts to overcome them, and stated that prioritising international cooperation and goodwill with neighbours in the hopes of reaping the benefits of a strong partnership was the way forward. During the statement, Samdech Techo Prime Minister Hun Sen highlighted the importance of improved bilateral relations, trade, and cultural relations between the two nations.
Citing that people-to-people contact remains an integral part of any bilateral relationship, President Solih expressed satisfaction with the agreement on easing visa facilitations, which allows a 30-day on-arrival visa for travel between the two countries. The President also expressed interest in improving trade ties and highlighted the opportunity for Maldivian importers to tap into Cambodia's rice and other agriculture sector markets. Cambodia exports rice and other agricultural products such as maise, peppers, dried cassava, cashew nuts, and fruits.
Furthermore, President Solih and Samdech Techo Prime Minister Hun Sen also discussed bilateral trade opportunities with an emphasis on importing other commodities produced in Cambodia, such as garments, travel goods, and wood products, to the Maldives. At the same time, they added that Cambodia would consider importing canned tuna and other fisheries products from the Maldives. The President highlighted that diversifying imports to multiple markets would reduce the prices of staple foods, enhance food security, and provide more choices to consumers.
Moreover, President Solih also outlined the exchange of six bilateral agreements signed today, expressing hope for a renewed commitment to greater cooperation, especially on international issues of mutual interest. He particularly emphasised the engagements at the United Nations (UN) and other international organisations, working together towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), common perspectives on climate change, and issues relating to international peace and security.
In conclusion, President Solih and Prime Minister Hun Sen expressed hope for improved cooperation and friendship between the two nations in the years to come having laid the foundations and established key components to sustain and elevate the partnership.