On the occasion of the Official Visit of YAB Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad to the Kingdom of Cambodia from 2 to 4 September 2019, Malaysia and Cambodia issued the following Joint Statement:
1. At the invitation of Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia, H.E. Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad, Prime Minister of Malaysia, paid an official visit to the Kingdom of Cambodia on 02-04 September 2019. The Prime Minister of Malaysia was accompanied by his spouse, Tun Dr. Siti Hasmah Mohamed Ali, H.E. Dato’ Saifuddin Abdullah, Minister for Foreign Affairs, H.E. Ignatius Darell Leiking, Minister of International Trade and Industry and other high ranking Government officials.
2.The Prime Minister of Malaysia laid wreathes at the Monument of Independence and paid homage to the memory of the war heroes and heroines of Cambodia. He also called on Samdech Vibol Sena Pheakdey Say Chhum, President of the Senate and Acting Head of State.
3. His Excellency Prime Minister Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad had a bilateral meeting with Samdech Techo Prime Minister Hun Sen in a warm and constructive manner, signifying the close and cordial relations that bind the two countries together. The two Leaders briefed each other on the recent political and economic developments in their respective countries and discuss various aspects of bilateral relations between the two countries. Samdech Prime Minister Hun Sen highly praised the achievements gained by Malaysia under the leadership of Prime Minister Mahathir in steering Malaysia to become a developed country in 2025. Prime Minister Mahathir also commended the continued success of the Cambodian Government in maintaining peace, stability and high economic growth, under the leadership of Samdech Prime Minister Hun Sen.
4. Both leaders expressed their satisfaction on the growing ties of friendship and close cooperation between the two countries in multiple domains including trade and investment, halal industry development, defence and security, tourism, agriculture, and education. They reaffirmed the importance in further strengthening and expanding cooperation and collaboration in bilateral, regional and multilateral frameworks for the benefit of the two peoples, hereby contributing to peace, stability and prosperity in the region as a whole.
5. In the context of ASEAN, both countries reaffirmed their commitment to the realisation of the ASEAN’s end goal of economic integration. Both countries will continue to work together to uphold ASEAN centrality, and achieve a politically cohesive, economically integrated, socially- responsible and a truly rules-based, people-oriented, and people-centered ASEAN.
6. The Leaders encouraged both sides to continue exploring innovative ways and measures to strengthen cooperation in the field of trade and investment. Both countries are committed to facilitating the necessary actions to increase bilateral trade and investment between the two countries. Both leaders expressed satisfaction at the continued progress made by both public and private sectors in boosting trade and investment. The Cambodian Government welcomes Malaysian businessmen to explore opportunities in Cambodia especially in the areas of agriculture, education, tourism and infrastructure. The Malaysian government encourages the private sector to enhance the position in expanding trade through collaboration in Cambodia’s long-term development projects. The Malaysian Government is also committed to accelerating trade via cross-border initiatives within ASEAN and the digital platforms such as e-commerce.
7. The Leaders encouraged cooperation between the two countries in the area of halal industry development in Cambodia. The government of Cambodia thanked the Malaysian government (JAKIM) for their continued technical assistance in facilitating the process and procedure in getting the halal certificate.
8. Both Leaders acknowledged that the area of defense cooperation need to be strengthened through more trainings and information sharing. In this connection, the Leaders also encouraged their officials to explore innovative ways to develop this cooperation between the two countries.
9. The Leaders acknowledged the growing threats of terrorism and radicalism globally and better coordination in terms of security need to be established between the two countries. The Leaders also underscored the importance of security cooperation between the two countries especially in maintaining peace and stability in light of the security challenges and threats in the region.
10. The Leaders took note of the ongoing negotiations pertaining to the Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation in Combating Trafficking in Persons. The Leaders further encouraged the relevant agencies of both countries to continue the discussion, and looked forward to the conclusion of the deliberations on the said Memorandum of Understanding at the earliest opportunity.
11. The Government of Cambodia appreciates the employment opportunities provided by Malaysia for Cambodian migrant workers. The Leaders encouraged the relevant agencies of both countries to continue strengthen the framework agreed in terms of employment and further promote close cooperation and coordination between the relevant agencies to promote the rights and address the welfare of Cambodian migrant workers in Malaysia.
12. The Prime Minister of Cambodia thanked the Government of Malaysia for training assistance offered through the Malaysian Technical Cooperation Programme (MTCP) and the Malaysian Defense Cooperation Programme (MDCP) which are beneficial to Cambodia in strengthening its public sectors through human capital development. Both leaders agreed that this mechanism is very effective in promoting closer ties between Malaysian and Cambodian officials.
13. Both Leaders expressed interest in strengthening the people-to-people connectivity through the active people linkages, particularly among the youths in promoting greater friendship and understanding. In this regard, the Leaders encourage youth organisation (public and private sectors) to make the connection through enhancing sports training and exchange of technical expertise, youth leadership development, and youth entrepreneurial programs of both countries.
14. Prime Minister of Cambodia conveyed his congratulations to Malaysia on the occasion of Malaysia’s 62nd National Day on 31 August 2019. The Prime Minister also congratulated Malaysia on the installation of His Majesty The Yang di-Pertuan Agong XVI, Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah ibni Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah Al-Musta’in Billah as the16th King of Malaysia.
15. Both Leaders exchanged views on regional and global issues of common interest and concern, including cooperation amongst ASEAN Member States, issues related to South China Sea, developments in Rakhine State, counter terrorism and other current global issues. On regional economic cooperation, the Leaders shared the views that the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) will contribute to regional economic integration and growth as well as in safeguarding multilateral trading system, and expressed the need to conclude this Agreement within this year.
16. After conclusion of their cordial discussion, the two leaders witnessed the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding on Tourism Cooperation, and the Agreement on the Avoidance of Double Taxation and the Prevention of Fiscal Evasion with Respect to Taxes on Income (DTA) between the Government of the Kingdom of Cambodia and the Government of Malaysia.
17. Prime Minister Dr. Mahathir Mohamad extended a cordial invitation to Samdech Prime MinisterHun Sen to pay an official visit to Malaysia at his convenience. Samdech Prime Minister Hun Sen accepted the invitation with pleasure and thanked Prime Minister of Malaysia for the invitation. Prime Minister of Malaysia expressed his deep appreciation to Prime Minister of Cambodia for the warm welcome and hospitality extended to him and his delegation during their stay in Phnom Penh.
3 September 2019
PHNOM PENH
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