Cambodian PM concludes official visit to Maldives

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen has concluded his official visit to Maldives.

Hun Sen, who arrived in Maldives on Sunday on a three-day visit at the invitation of Maldivian President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, concluded his visit and flew back home Tuesday morning.

Hun Sen and his accompanying delegation were seen off at the Velana International Airport (VIA) by Maldivian Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid and other top government officials.

Though he arrived in Maldives on Sunday, the official welcoming ceremony for Hun Sen was held on Monday morning at the Republic Square in Male’ City.

After the welcoming ceremony, President Solih and PM Hun Sen retired to the President’s Office, where they held official talks on strengthening bilateral cooperation. They also presided over the exchange of six key agreements between Maldives and Cambodia, including a visa waiver agreement and an agreement to enhance economic cooperation.

The exchange of the agreements has been described by the President’s Office as “a pivotal point of progress in bilateral relations between the two countries.”

President Solih and PM Hun Sen also delivered a joint statement on the outcomes of their discussions.

On Monday afternoon, President Solih hosted an official luncheon in honor of PM Hun Sen at the OBLU XPERIENCE Ailafushi, which was attended by Cabinet ministers, senior government officials, and the visiting delegation.

PM Hun Sen was also paid a courtesy call by Maldivian Vice President Faisal Naseem at the Paradise Island Resort.

At the meeting, VP Faisal described PM Hun Sen's visit to the Maldives as a crucial demonstration of the close bonds of friendship between Maldives and Cambodia.

Maldives and Cambodia established diplomatic relations on September 21, 1995.

It was PM Hun Sen’s first visit to the Maldives.