Director Peteris Ustubs of the EU’s Directorate General for International Partnerships opened the meeting with a courtesy call on Minister Chhieng Yanara of the Cambodian Development Council. This first meeting set the stage for subsequent discussions on the Joint European Strategy, Team Europe (TE) initiatives and Global Gateway (GG) flagships.

The preparatory dialogue led by Ustubs and Yanara was followed by Commissioner Urpilainen’s dialogue with Minister Yanara and the launch of the TE initiatives on “Green Agriculture and Decent Jobs” and “Green Industry and Decent Jobs”. Present at the launch were H.E. Igor Driesmans, EU Ambassador; H.E. Martin Vávra, CZ Ambassador; H.E. Istvan Bakos, Chargé d’Affaires HU; Jost Kadel, Deputy DE; Fabrice Etienne, Deputy FR; Camilla Ottosson, SE Ministerial Counsellor; Sandrine Boucher, Director AFD FR; Christian Disler, Deputy Director Development Agency CH. The TE initiatives represent important efforts to promote sustainable development and job creation in Cambodia, in line with the country’s industrial policy and development priorities. Commissioner Urpilainen emphasised value-based cooperation aiming at transformative impact. Minister Yanara welcomed initiatives in line with Cambodia’s development strategies. The flagships of the Government’s investment strategy were also presented: One Health (DE), Education (CZ, DE, FR, HU) and the Bakheng Water Treatment Plant (FR).

The Commissioner’s visit also included meetings with the private sector, civil society, the Youth Council, a number of KH ministries and government officials, including Prime Minister Hun Manet. He and the PV discussed EU-KH cooperation on trade and European investment, EU cooperation programmes in KH, including GG and TE initiatives in view of KH’s forthcoming graduation from the LDC group. They also exchanged views on human rights and democracy in KH and on issues such as the Russian aggression against the UA and the situation in the MM.

The Commissioner, the KH Minister of Education and representatives of CZ, FR and HU jointly visited the Chumpou Voan General Education and Technical High School in Phnom Penh and spoke with students and teachers about the importance of studying science, technology, engineering and mathematics and of linking education with work through internships in companies.  The Commissioner, a former teacher, said: “Education is a key investment for a better future. This programme aims to ensure that Cambodia’s youth remain curious, open-minded, resilient and passionate about new discoveries. I am convinced that this is the best way to ensure the country’s sustainable development.  The visit to the Bakheng Water Treatment Plant (FR/AFD) then underlined the EU’s commitment to ensuring access to clean water in Cambodia, as well as the ambition of the wider GG initiative to mobilise private investment for development and EU private sector engagement.