Sofia: H.E. Dr. Chea Chanboribo, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Kingdom of Cambodia to the Republic of Cyprus, met with H.E. Haralambos Kafkarides, Ambassador of the Republic of Cyprus, in Sofia on June 27. On behalf of Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation H.E. Prak Sokhonn, Ambassador Chea Chanboribo conveyed warm greetings and best wishes to Ambassador Kafkarides.
According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, both sides noted with satisfaction that the relationship between Cambodia and Cyprus has significantly expanded across all sectors, with ongoing efforts to deepen bilateral and multilateral cooperation. Cambodia and Cyprus actively collaborate to strengthen friendship, enhance policy dialogue, and support each other on regional and international issues under the ASEAN-EU Strategic Partnership framework.
Ambassador Chanboribo highlighted the potential for cooperation in tourism and financial services, noting Cyprus’s growing reputation in these sectors, while Cambodia continues to attract millions of tourists each year due to its natural and cultural heritage. Both countries share opportunities to enhance tourism cooperation and expand trade based on mutual support and direct business linkages.
In this spirit, Ambassador Chanboribo expressed Cambodia’s hope to strengthen cooperation, particularly in information exchange, emphasising that information serves as a bridge to connect people and deepen mutual understanding. He reaffirmed Cambodia’s commitment to advancing unity and cooperation with Cyprus, expressing confidence in achieving meaningful outcomes with continued engagement and support from Ambassador Kafkarides and relevant institutions.
Ambassador Kafkarides fully supported Ambassador Chanboribo’s proposals, and both sides agreed to create opportunities for direct meetings between the chambers of commerce of Cambodia and Cyprus to foster practical cooperation, including in tourism.
On the Cambodia-Thailand border situation, Ambassador Chanboribo clarified Cambodia’s commitment to peace and cooperation, underscoring that Cambodia has submitted the matter to the International Court of Justice (ICJ). Cambodia seeks to protect its territory based on maps deposited by the late King-Father Norodom Sihanouk with the United Nations, drawn by France.
Ambassador Chanboribo emphasised to his Cypriot counterpart that bringing disputes before the court represents a peaceful, civilised approach to conflict resolution in a constitutional society. Disputes should be resolved through legal processes that uphold peace and justice.
He noted that courts are the only institutions with legal authority to serve justice, acting as impartial adjudicators based on evidence and lawful procedures. Choosing to resolve disputes in court reflects democracy and the rule of law, contributing to lasting peace, development, and the protection of human rights.
Ambassador Chanboribo stressed that using the courts is a sign of commitment to a legal culture within society, practiced by advanced nations to safeguard rights and justice.
He concluded by affirming Cambodia’s dedication to promoting and strengthening a culture of lawful dispute resolution.