PHNOM PENH, 18 February 2014 – The Turkish ambassador to Cambodia informed H.E. Deputy Prime Minister Dr. Sok An on Thursday that Turkish Airlines is working with its Cambodian counterpart on a direct flight MOU and expects this to be ready by the end of this year.
Dr. Sok An, Minister in Charge of the Office of the Council of Ministers, welcomed the plan, saying that Turkey links Europe and Asia and that more tourists from Europe will visit Cambodia once Turkish commercial flights are in place.
“Tourism is a gateway”, said Dr. Sok An, adding, “Once tourists come, other sectors will follow.”
Cambodia’s open sky policy is also playing a vital role in tourism. “We are very happy to have Turkish Airlines come.”
The Deputy Prime Minister recalled Cambodia’s peace and stability under the leadership of Prime Minister Hun Sen is another factor contributing to the sector.
The Kingdom of Wonder’s abundance of cultural property of more than 1,000 historic temples—including the World Heritage-listed Angkor and Preah Vihear—is attracting tourists as one of the most popular destinations in Southeast Asia.
Cambodia Bay that covers the entire 440-Km sea coast has been listing as a full member of the Most Beautiful Bays in the World Club. The five Cambodian beautiful beaches are also attracting more tourists, said H.E. Dr. Sok An.
Both sides shared view that the two countries have high tourist potential thanks to their cultural heritage. Istanbul receives 39 million tourists a year who generate $32 billion in revenue. Cambodia now receives 4.2 million tourists who create $2.5 billion in revenue.
H.E. Ambassador Ilhan Kemal Tug assured the Deputy Prime Minister: “With the coming direct flights, Turkish entrepreneurs will come to Cambodia. They are very interested in visiting Cambodia. We see potential in tourism in Cambodia. There are many fields in which we can cooperate, including construction projects. We will invite Turkish potential investors to visit Cambodia.”
The value of the two-way trade is still small.
The Turkish Embassy in Bangkok is accredited to Cambodia. Diplomatic relations between Turkey and Cambodia were established in 1970. Economic and political relations between the two countries remained rather limited due to the geographical distance and different foreign policy priorities.
Dr. Sok An also spoke of the harmony of Cambodian society, in which Muslim Cambodian communities, known as Cham, can live alongside Buddhist followers, among others.
The Deputy Prime Minister welcomed the chance to arrange a trip for the Turkish Ambassador to visit seven Cham communities in Takeo province, a trip that will also welcome the ambassadors of Kuwait and Pakistan to Cambodia. End