Political analysts said Cambodia may have found a third strategic partner in the form of South Korea following President Moon Jae-in's visit that cemented ties between the two Asian countries.
In an article posted on the Khmer Times, Co-Founder and Vice-Chairman of the Cambodian Institute for Strategic Studies, Chheang Vannarith, said Prime Minister Hun Sen and President Moon opened a wide door for stronger diplomatic and trade ties between the two countries. Sen and Moon's meeting was deemed as a way of enhancing efforts in establishing peace across Asia and the Korean Peninsula.
Vannarith noted that during the state visit, the Cambodian leader's act of hosting Moon on the first day of his visit was rare and showed goodwill for cooperation. "It was a special diplomatic gesture by the Cambodian host indeed," he wrote.
Not too many details about the summit have been revealed to the public but Vannarith pointed out that body language from the two leaders showed optimism and sincerity. Vannarith, who is also a domestically popular author, said informality between the two country chiefs suggested trust building. "It seems that Mr. Hun Sen did win the heart of Mr. Moon," he said.
As if echoing Vannarith's statements, Moon wrote on his social media page that "standing before Angkor Wat, my respect for the Cambodian people have deepened further still. Angkor Wat is Cambodia's past, and at the same time, it's future." He also expressed thanks to King Norodom Sihamoni and PM Hun "for extending heartfelt hospitality and allowing to witness Khmer civilization."
As part of the Cambodia-South Korea summit, five agreements were signed, allowing for Cambodia to become South Korea's second-largest strategic partner. The Kingdom already has China and India on its side but Moon's support is believed to be a huge step in cementing Cambodia's position in Asia.
Xinhua reported that the documents signed between Cambodia and South Korea involved trade and investment, transport infrastructure, electricity, information, and communications technology, and public health.
After the meetings, Sen said the two parties also discussed bilateral relations in agriculture, finance, tourism, and more. "The bilateral talks were concluded with a close, frank and fraternal atmosphere," he said.
The summit bode well for both countries as the two leaders reaffirmed support for plans their governments will propose. According to KBS World Radio News, the chiefs also discussed a South Korea-ASEAN summit that Seoul will host sometime late 2018. The summit will be held in commemoration of the two sides' 30 years of diplomatic ties.
