Cambodia, Greece to kick off first consultative dialogue ‘soon’

Cambodia and Greece are set to kick off a first consultative dialogue “soon” in Athens after the two countries signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) last year establishing a bilateral consultation mechanism aimed at developing discussion frameworks in areas identified as priorities, such as politics, diplomacy, economy, trade, investment, socio-cultural affairs.

Cambodian Ambassador to Thailand Ouk Sorphorn told The Post that a discussion with Greek ambassador to Cambodia Nicolaos Kaimenakis on Thursday (March 17) explored avenues to promote bilateral cooperation, with particular emphasis on mutual support on the regional and international stages.

The two sides discussed preparations for the first consultative dialogue, Sorphorn said, adding that relevant ministries are working to find a suitable date for the meeting in the Greek capital.

“As trade volume between the two countries remains small, both sides signed an MoU last year to push economic growth forward together. Of note, Cambodia want see more Greek tourists ... while Greece wants to import more agricultural products from Cambodia,” he said, adding that Cambodia and Greece established diplomatic relations on April 8, 1996.

According to Trading Economics, bilateral trade dipped a bit between 2019 and 2020. Cambodian exports to and imports from Greece were to the tune of $12.24 million and $1.44 million, respectively.

The latest figures on the statistics website indicate that in 2020, “articles of apparel, knit or crocheted” accounted for $6.93 million or 57 per cent of Cambodia’s exports, while “furskins and artificial fur, manufactures” made up $0.83096 million or 58 per cent of the Kingdom’s imports.

Forming the southern tip of the Balkan Peninsula, Greece lies at the confluence of the Aegean, Ionian and Mediterranean seas, in Southeast Europe. Given its geographical location, the EU member state boasts great potential as an international logistics hub and strategic transit point for trade between Europe, Asia and Africa.