By Ek Tha
PHNOM PENH,
Jan. 23, 2013 (PRU) – His Excellency Deputy Prime Minister Dr. Sok An on Monday
welcomed an initiative by the Russian Academy of Sciences to cooperate with the
Royal Academy of Cambodia in the scientific and technical field that will
enhance the bilateral ties as well as to provide report of research that will
be used by the concerned institutions for the benefit of the two peoples and countries.
Her Excellency
Dr. Klot Thyda, President of Royal Academy of Cambodia, and Vitaly Naumkin,
Director for the Institute of Oriental Studies, Russian Academy of Sciences,
are expected to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) soon that will enable them
to put their plan in place for promoting scientific relations through exchange
of scientists to lecture and conduct joint research on cultural, political and
economic topics.
They are also
expected to produce joint publications of research papers so that leaders of
both countries could learn on certain issues related to the ways to address
problems they may occur in the future.
Naumkin said
that the cooperation between the two academies will bring “fruitful benefits”
to the two nations and peoples”.
Naumkin, who
led the Russian delegation from the Academy, said his institute also wants to
exchange view on politics, international relations, and the economic situation
in Southeast Asia as “Russia wants to play a key role in Asia”.
His Excellency
Dr. Sok An also sought Russia assistance in providing experts to help the
International Relations Institute of Cambodia where 30 Cambodian researchers
are working. He also looks to send Cambodians to be trained by the Russian
academy.
In response,
Naumkin said that “we can do so since we live in the world of information and
we can create friendship.”
Cambodia is
also seeking more foreign direct investment (FDI), including Russia, to invest
in the kingdom.
Two-way trade between Cambodia and Russia is in the range of U.S.
$52 million. End.