President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has expressed ambition to strengthen cooperation in higher education and expressed interest in exploring educational opportunities for Maldivian youth in Cambodia. He made the remarks during the official talks between the two governments as part of the official visit of Prime Minister Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen to the Maldives.
During the deliberations held at the President's Office, President Solih and Prime Minister Hun Sen shed light on the existing bilateral relations between the two countries and stated that this visit marks a historic milestone in bilateral ties. They noted that it had already opened a new chapter of close cooperation, which will be enhanced in the coming months and years. They engaged in dialogue on shaping the two countries' future ties in numerous sectors where the Maldives and Cambodia can share mutual arrangements.
In this regard, President Solih and Prime Minister Hun Sen held extensive discussions on boosting bilateral, regional, and international cooperation in mutual areas of interest. They discussed various topics, including education, human resources development, tourism cooperation, economic and trade cooperation, and increasing air connectivity. They also discussed cooperation in healthcare, fisheries, agriculture, environment, and climate change; regional and international cooperation; and areas of security and counterterrorism.
Furthermore, President Solih stressed the importance of healthcare sector development and stated that the Maldives has embarked on an ambitious programme to enhance healthcare, focusing on three main areas: training and specialisation of local healthcare professionals, recruitment of expatriate doctors and specialists, and sourcing of generic and controlled pharmaceuticals. He stated that the government would be interested in seeking opportunities to establish an exchange programme for students and noted that it would open up a new knowledge stream in academia.
Discussing cooperation in the fields of economy and commerce, President Solih noted the Maldives is looking to expand its economic outlook and diversify its industries. He also stated that the Maldives strongly encourage investment and invited Cambodian investors to take advantage of the opportunity to form meaningful and mutually beneficial partnerships with Maldivian businesses. He further expressed hope for a very fruitful outcome from the ongoing business forum between the members of the chambers of commerce of both countries.
Shedding light on the agreement that will be exchanged later today on tourism cooperation, President Solih and Prime Minister Hun Sen stated that it would enable relevant institutions in both nations to form a Joint Working Group and pursue initiatives related to joint marketing and promotion, establish air links, and exchange initiatives in the hospitality sector to achieve the shared tourism goals. They also discussed the possibilities of seeking training and skills development opportunities for Maldivians at Cambodia's agricultural institutions and building cooperation mechanisms.
Concluding the official talks, President Solih and Prime Minister Hun Sen reaffirmed their commitment to bolstering the bonds of friendship between the two countries. Prior to the official talks, they also met briefly for restricted talks at the President's Office.