By Ek Tha
PHNOM PENH, 26 Sept. 2012 (PQRU) – Deputy Prime Minister H.E. Dr. Sok An welcomed the Kenyan Ambassador’s initiative to launch direct flight between the two countries, saying that Cambodia has high potential in cultural and eco-tourism. Details will be discussed by the relevant institutions before an agreement is signed.
Kenyan Ambassador H.E. Dr. Richard Titus Ekai told His Excellency Dr. Sok An in the meeting on Wednesday that Nairobi already has direct flights to Thailand and Vietnam and now we want to have direct flight with Cambodia, which will boost both tourism industry and economic activity.
Dr. Sok An said that Cambodia is rich in cultural tourism, with about 1,000 historic temples across the country. Cambodia is also an attractive tourist destination for its beautiful beaches, waterfalls and rivers and landscapes.
The kingdom has been enjoying sustainable development, including the tourism industry, which has attracted technical and financial support from donors, especially since the country achieved full national reconciliation, peace and security after the total demise of the Khmer Rouge movement in 1998 thanks to the win-win policy initiated by Samdech Techo Prime Minister Hun Sen.
Political stability has attracted foreign direct investment along with foreign tourists, contributing to the country’s social development.
Cambodia, which also has high potential in agriculture, has surplus rice every year exported to the neighbouring countries. Nairobi is interested in the possibility of Cambodia exporting milled rice to Kenya.
There will be further discussion on direct flight and rice exports. Dr. Sok An assured the Ambassador that Cambodia will do its utmost to facilitate both ideas.
“The Royal Government of Cambodia welcomes your request, and we will try our best to facilitate you airline. We have Angkor Airline which is now operating only in the region”, said the Deputy Prime Minister.
“We will connect your rice buyers to the private rice companies”, Dr. Sok An assured the Ambassador.
Dr. Richard Titus Ekai was pleased with Cambodia’s support, saying that Cambodia’s image has improved over time. Kenya also praised Cambodia role as chairman of the 10-country bloc of ASEAN and wants to see “cooperation between ASEAN and the African Community”.
“We have a custom union and use the same language in the African region, like ASEAN’s integration. We are also looking at how to cooperate with the ASEAN Economic Community by 2015”, said the Ambassador.
Kenya is also interested in learning Cambodia’s experiences in dealing with overseas companies in oil and gas exploration.
In response, H.E. Dr. Sok An said that he is happy to share his 20 year-long experiences in dealing with oil and gas.
“Cambodia’s reserves are not very big but we expect to have oil production within one or two years”, said the Deputy Prime Minister.
End.