AKP Phnom Penh, October 2, 2026 --

The Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Cambodia hosted its 2026 National Day and Armed Forces Day Reception on Oct. 1, bringing together around 400 guests, including senior Cambodian government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, the Korean community, and representatives from various sectors.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Youth and Sport H.E. Dr. Hang Chuon Naron attended the reception as Guest of Honor, with other senior Cambodian officials in attendance.

In his welcoming remarks, Korean Ambassador to Cambodia H.E. Kim Chang Yong highlighted the shared experiences of Korea and Cambodia in overcoming difficult periods in their respective histories and working toward a better future.

The Ambassador noted that bilateral relations have steadily developed since the re-establishment of diplomatic ties in 1997, with the elevation of Korea-Cambodia relations to a Strategic Partnership in 2024 marking an important milestone. He expressed his hope that bilateral cooperation would continue to advance in various areas, including joint efforts to combat transnational crime, economic and trade cooperation, development assistance, education and culture, and people-to-people exchanges.

In his congratulatory remarks, Deputy Prime Minister H.E. Hang Chuon Naron praised the Republic of Korea's economic and social development and its achievements in the international community.

The Deputy Prime Minister expressed his expectation that Cambodia-Korea relations would further develop as the two countries prepare to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the re-establishment of diplomatic relations in 2027.

The Deputy Prime Minister also highlighted the importance of continued cooperation in investment, business and development between the two countries, which are parties to the Cambodia-Korea Free Trade Agreement, the ASEAN-Korea Free Trade Agreement and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP).

The reception also featured a variety of Korean cuisine, including gimbap and bulgogi, providing participants with an opportunity to celebrate Korea's National Day while exchanging views on ways to further strengthen friendship and cooperation between the two countries.

The Korean Embassy said that it would use the 30th anniversary of the re-establishment of diplomatic relations in 2027 as an opportunity to build on the trust and cooperation accumulated over the past three decades, further consolidate bilateral relations, and expand exchanges and cooperation across diverse areas.

By Heng Panha