Strengthening Ties: Malaysia and Cambodia Deepen Relations through Cultural Exchange
Phnom Penh, March 24 – Tan Sri Johari Abdul, Speaker of the Dewan Rakyat, recently attended an iftar event with the local Muslim community in Phnom Penh, hosted by Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Hun Manet. The event brought together approximately 6,200 invited guests from across Asia, including Cambodian university students, local Muslim community members, international friends, foreign representatives, imams, and non-governmental organization (NGO) representatives.
Fostering Harmony and Cooperation
In his speech, Johari commended the Cambodian Prime Minister’s commitment to fostering religious and ethnic harmony in the country. "The principle of tolerance practised here serves as an example for other countries in fostering peace and shared prosperity," he said. Johari also expressed his appreciation for the Cambodian government’s policies in safeguarding the interests of the Muslim community, particularly in strengthening interfaith harmony. "This commitment serves as an excellent example of how diverse religious and cultural communities can live together in peace and mutual respect," he said.
Strong Bilateral Relations
Since 1957, Malaysia-Cambodia bilateral relations have continued to grow in trade, education, and culture. Cambodia is a key and close partner of Malaysia, with strong bilateral cooperation further reinforced at the ASEAN and international levels. It is also one of the main investment destinations for Malaysian companies. As of December 2023, Malaysia’s cumulative investment in Cambodia amounted to US$3.2 billion (RM14.18 billion). Malaysia is the third-largest foreign investor in Cambodia, after China and South Korea, with investments focused on the construction, telecommunications, banking, and hospitality sectors.
Conclusion
The iftar event and the strong bilateral relations between Malaysia and Cambodia demonstrate the importance of cultural exchange and cooperation in fostering peace and shared prosperity. As the two countries continue to grow and develop, it is crucial to maintain and strengthen these ties to benefit both nations and the region as a whole.
FAQs
Q: What was the purpose of the iftar event?
A: The iftar event was hosted by Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Hun Manet to bring together members of the local Muslim community and international guests to promote religious and ethnic harmony.
Q: How many guests attended the iftar event?
A: Approximately 6,200 guests from across Asia attended the iftar event.
Q: What are the main sectors of investment for Malaysian companies in Cambodia?
A: Malaysian companies have invested in the construction, telecommunications, banking, and hospitality sectors in Cambodia.