Media Release

FA73 - 20 June 2003

Australia and Cambodia Strengthen Relations During Visit To Phnom Penh

I congratulate Cambodia on the successful hosting of the ASEAN Regional Forum and Post Ministerial Conference.  It is a notable achievement so soon, in historical terms, after the country was caught up in tumultuous conflict.

Australia has enjoyed strong diplomatic relations with Cambodia for almost 50 years.   I am pleased that I have been able to announce further forms of practical cooperation with Cambodia during the visit.  These have included an A$2 million commitment to the Cambodian Mine Action Centre, the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on Counter Terrorism and a further contribution of A$1.5 million over three years to the Khmer Rouge Tribunal.

Recovery from the Khmer Rouge period represents a significant challenge for Cambodia and will take many years.  Australia has put its political weight behind international efforts to establish the Khmer Rouge Tribunal.  The establishment of the Tribunal will demonstrate Cambodia’s commitment to the principles of justice which must be the foundation of any stable democracy.

I trust that Cambodia will also benefit from the two regional initiatives I announced during my visit.  The first was the Asia Regional Cooperation to Prevent People Traffickingproject to help combat the trafficking of women and children in South East Asia.  Secondly, Australia is providing A$500,000 of Australian assistance to ASEAN to help manage the outbreak of infectious diseases in the region, such as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS).

I held a meeting with the Foreign Minister of Cambodia Mr Hor Namhong on 18 June.  I emphasised to Hor Namhong that Australia remains committed to Cambodia’s development and integration into the region with an estimated contribution of more than A$44 million in aid to Cambodia in 2003-04. 

Cambodia will hold its third national elections next month.  This is an important next step in the consolidation of the democratic process and social stability.  Australia has strongly supported this process, including through A$800,000 in funding for voter education and registration for the 27 July national election.  A four person Australian Parliamentary delegation will observe the elections as a measure of Australian interest in their conduct.

Media enquiries: Chris Kenny (Ministerial) 02 6277 7500 - Lyndall Sachs (Departmental) 02 6261 1555