Cambodia’s Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Sok Chenda Sophea invited Turkish business people to explore investment opportunities in his country.
Minister Sok, who arrived in Istanbul to make various contacts in Turkey, answered the questions of AA correspondent and made evaluations.
Sok thanked Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan for his invitation to Turkey and said that this was his first official visit to Europe since he took office in August 2023.
The Cambodian minister said that this visit has a meaning and emphasized that the diplomatic relations with Turkey, which are celebrating their 65th anniversary, are “very mature”.
Pointing to the importance of mutual visits, Sok said Turkey’s Ambassador to Punom Pen Ülkü Kocaefe has organized many activities to celebrate the 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations.
Explaining that former Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen paid a working visit to Turkey in October 2018, Sok recalled that he met with President Recep Tayyip during this visit and that they set a very ambitious goal.
Sok said, “Right now we need to target 1 billion dollars of trade. We are a little far from this. This is a reason that should motivate everyone on both the Cambodian and Turkish side to work hard to realize the decisions made by the leaders. This is really my wish.”
“Turkey has excellent quality products that should be marketed in ASEAN countries”
Referring to his meetings with the Turkish business community, Sok pointed out that there is not enough information about business opportunities in Cambodia and his country.
Stating that his visit to Turkey and the business dinner will give him the opportunity to interact with the players in the business world and convey important messages, Minister Sok said, “I will invite them (to Cambodia). Please take two or three days and come to Cambodia. You will see for yourself the reality of Cambodia, the opportunities. When business people go somewhere, they sense opportunities. I came to invite them there.”
Pointing out that their economies can be considered to complement each other, the Cambodian Minister said, “There are excellent quality products here in Turkey that need to be marketed in ASEAN countries and Cambodia. What I want to say to Turkish producers: Please, come to Cambodia. There is a very liberal business regime (in Cambodia). You should think of Cambodia as the region’s gateway to ASEAN.”
Sok said that he wants the Turkish business world to think that Cambodia is only a gateway, “If we talk about the Mekong region, your market will be 250 million consumers, and if we include ASEAN, it will be 630 million consumers. Think of Cambodia in its own context, not just 17 million Cambodians. It is important to let them know that Cambodia is just a stepping stone if you prefer the region.”
Reminding that Turkey launched the “Asia Again” initiative in 2019, the Minister said that he wanted to tell the business world that this initiative is good.
4 memorandums of understanding are expected to be signed
When asked which agreements will be signed during his meeting with Foreign Minister Fidan, Minister Sok said that there are 4 memorandums of understanding ready to be finalized and the signing ceremony is planned to be held on May 29.
Noting that two of these agreements are related to the training of law enforcement officers and the cooperation between Ankara University and the Royal University of Punom Pen, Sok said, “Sharing the experience of researchers and academics from Turkey, especially from Ankara University, will benefit Cambodia.”
Pointing out that another memorandum of understanding is on media and communication, Minister Sok said, “Here again, we have observed how active Turkey is not only at the regional, national level, but also at the regional and international level, and we want to learn from our colleagues.”
“I would definitely like to eat kebab today and tomorrow”
Sharing what he knew about Turkish culture, Sok said that he was interested in geography and history and that he had read about the Ottoman Empire in his youth.
Emphasizing that Istanbul is a unique place since history, the Minister said that one end of the city extends to Asia and the other to Europe.
“Therefore, for me, Turkey is a country of culture. In fact, I think Turkey is the 4th tourism destination in the world with nearly 50 million visitors.”
Pointing out that Turkey has a Mediterranean coast, beautiful beaches and many historical assets on the UNESCO World Heritage List, the Minister noted that the country has both cultural and diverse beauties.
Stating that he has not yet had the opportunity to experience Turkish cuisine, Minister Sok said that he will eat kebab for dinner, “I don’t like dessert, but I know that I have tasted baklava, I would definitely like to eat kebab today and tomorrow.”
Stating that “Turkish Cuisine Week” events were organized in Cambodia’s capital Punom Pen on May 21-27, Sok said that Turkey’s Ambassador to Punom Pen Kocaefe introduced Turkish cuisine to the world.
“Next time I want to come from Punom Pen with Turkish Airlines flights”
Noting that he would like to visit Turkey again, Minister Sok said, “But next time I would like to come and return from Punom Pen to Istanbul or Ankara with Turkish Airlines flights. The next time you interview me, you will fly from here to Punom Pen with Turkish Airlines and I will be your guide to visit the UNESCO-listed Angkor Vat Temple.”
