The First Turkmen-Cambodian political consultations were held

On 8 May 2026, the first political consultations between the foreign ministries of Turkmenistan and the Kingdom of Cambodia took place in Phnom Penh.

The Turkmen delegation was led by the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Ahmet Gurbanov, while the Cambodian sides was headed by the State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Ung Rachana.

During the meeting, the sides discussed a wide range of issues related to bilateral cooperation, emphasising that inter-ministerial consultations are an effective tool for advancing mutually beneficial partnership and identifying new promising areas of cooperation.

The diplomats noted the importance of establishing high-level contacts, which are aimed to unfold new horizons for the expansion of bilateral ties. Particular attention was paid to strengthening inter-parliamentary contacts through the organisation of online meetings and visits by friendship group delegations. The need to consistently expand the legal-contractual basis of collaboration between the two countries was also underlined.

The high level of cooperation within international and regional organisations, particularly the UN, was highlighted. In this context, gratitude was expressed to the Cambodian side for its support of the international initiatives and for co-sponsoring a number of UN resolutions initiated by Turkmenistan.

The sides also thoroughly discussed cooperation pertaining to ASEAN, which serves as an effective platform for partnership not only in the region but also beyond. It was noted that Cambodia supports the initiative of Turkmenistan to establish the “Central Asia + ASEAN” format.

The following were identified as priority areas for the development of trade and economic ties: establishing direct contacts between business circles, holding business forums and trade missions, developing cooperation in the textile industry, agriculture and product processing, as well as intensifying transport and logistics cooperation using international transport corridors.

To strengthen humanitarian dialogue, the sides exchanged views on the possibility of holding reciprocal Days of Culture.  In the context of promoting historical and cultural heritage, the importance of establishing direct contacts between travel companies in both countries was emphasised. The broad prospects for cooperation in the field of education were also emphasized.

At the conclusion of the consultations, the sides reaffirmed their commitment to further deepening the dialogue, which is in the interests of both states.