Cambodian FM Prak Sokhonn to conclude trip to Morocco – Photo: Cambojanews

Cambodia’s Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn will conclude a two-day visit to Morocco today.

Sokhonn, who also serves as Deputy Prime Minister of Cambodia, met with his Moroccan counterpart Nasser Bourita to discuss strengthening bilateral ties and to sign several agreements related to trade, tourism and education. Sokhonn will next visit Egypt, where he will meet with Egypt’s Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry.

Cambodia’s prominence on the global stage has improved considerably since last year, in tandem with its candid support for Ukraine, despite traditionally strong relations with both Russia and China. In the UN General Assembly, Cambodia has voted to condemn Russia’s annexation of Ukrainian territories, while its neighbors Vietnam, Thailand and Laos abstained. Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen has personally pledged to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to send demining experts to help clear Russian mines.

Cambodia will likely continue to support Ukraine and publicly oppose forceful interference in small states’ affairs. In this, it could eventually face a choice on having to confront Beijing’s actions in the South China Sea, which it thus far avoided. Phnom Penh attempted to both condemn Moscow’s acts of aggression and maintain strong relations, but such an approach is unlikely to work with Beijing. Meanwhile, Hun Sen’s government will likely attempt to continue using its increased diplomatic clout to strengthen bilateral relations with other nations.