Ambassador accredited in Cambodia |15 October 2009

Mr Le Gall is the first ambassador of Seychelles to be accredited to Cambodia after the two countries established diplomatic relations in 1980.

During his visit to Phnom Penh on October 8, he met Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Hor Namhong; Senior Minister and Minister for Environment Dr Moth Mareth; Minister for Tourism Dr Thong Khon; Minister for Culture and Fine Arts Him Chhem; as well as Keo Puth Reasmey, adviser to the royal government of Cambodia.

Seychelles and Cambodia share a similar agenda of government priorities in the fields of trade, environment protection, sea level rise, fisheries, ecotourism and community development, in particular by promoting craftsmanship skills – a sector in which Cambodia is known for its creativity and high standards.

Although still marked by five years of the Khmer Rouge regime and 30 years of civil war, Cambodia is now a peaceful nation opening up with success to the outside world and benefiting from an ideal strategic location between Vietnam, Laos and Thailand, and a number of resources including rice, timber and precious stones that contribute to the regular progress of its economy.

With an annual 15% increase in tourist arrivals, Cambodia targets three million visitors in 2015 and is becoming a popular destination in South-East Asia.

The Cambodian tourism minister suggested that the two countries sign a memorandum of understanding to boost cooperation and exchanges in this field.

Cambodia is also expected to host a major international environment-related conference in late January 2010, in the wake of the Copenhagen climate change summit, and Seychelles has been invited to be one of the key delegates.