Both leaders, who are attending the Third United Nations Ocean Conference in Nice, France, discussed ways to strengthen bilateral ties and collaboration in various areas.

Costa praised the strong relations between the European Union (EU) and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, as well as the EU’s continued cooperation with its member states, including Cambodia.

He also highlighted Cambodia’s efforts in developing its legal framework, chiefly the recent advancement of the Fisheries Bill, and acknowledged the Kingdom’s overall development achievements.

In response, Hun Manet expressed his gratitude for the EU’s contributions to Cambodia’s socioeconomic development through various joint projects.

He also highlighted Cambodia’s commitment to sustainable development, including its goal of increasing the share of renewable energy to 70 percent by 2030 and achieving carbon neutrality by 2050.

Finally, the Cambodian leader accepted President Costa’s invitation to visit EU headquarters in Brussels to further discuss opportunities to strengthen and expand relations and cooperation between Cambodia and the EU.

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