(FN): Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations and expanding cooperation across key sectors.
During bilateral talks in Baku on Monday (Oct. 12), President Aliyev welcomed Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet’s official visit and participation in the 7th CICA Summit, praising Cambodia’s support for the organisation.
Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet expressed appreciation for Azerbaijan’s hospitality and highlighted former Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen’s 2014 visit as a foundation for stronger bilateral ties.
Both leaders agreed to deepen cooperation in trade, investment, diplomacy, defence, security, education, tourism, mine clearance, digital technology and people-to-people exchanges.
Following the talks, the two leaders witnessed the exchange of three agreements covering trade and economic cooperation, diplomatic training and the avoidance of double taxation
Cambodia and Azerbaijan signed three key cooperation documents covering trade, diplomatic training and double taxation, marking a step towards strengthening bilateral economic and diplomatic relations.
Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev jointly presided over the signing ceremony on Monday (Oct. 12) in Baku during the premier’s official visit to Azerbaijan.
The three documents include:
1. A Memorandum of Understanding on Trade and Economic Cooperation between the Government of Cambodia and the Government of Azerbaijan.
2. A Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation between the National Institute of Diplomacy and International Relations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Cambodia and ADA University under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan.
3. An Agreement between the Government of Cambodia and the Government of Azerbaijan on the Elimination of Double Taxation with Respect to Taxes on Income and the Prevention of Tax Evasion and Avoidance (DTA).
Speaking at a joint press conference with President Ilham Aliyev following their bilateral talks, Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet acknowledged that trade and economic cooperation between the two countries remain modest despite more than three decades of diplomatic relations.
The premier noted that both countries had established a roadmap for bilateral engagement and expressed confidence that his visit would create fresh momentum for expanding trade and investment.
To translate their commitments into concrete results, the two governments agreed to develop a framework for establishing a joint trade working group tasked with identifying and implementing practical measures to boost bilateral trade.
During the visit, Samdech Thipadei also met representatives of Azerbaijan’s business community and expressed hope of welcoming an Azerbaijani business delegation to Cambodia to explore investment opportunities.
The two sides also discussed bringing together their civil aviation authorities to explore a possible air services agreement aimed at improving connectivity and facilitating greater exchanges between Cambodia and Azerbaijan.