Cambodia, Russia celebrate 70th diplomatic anniversary

Cambodia and Russia pledged to expand political, economic, educational, and cultural co-operation during a reception marking Russia Day in Phnom Penh. The event also marked the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations.

The Russian Embassy in Cambodia hosted the event on June 11 at the Sofitel Phnom Penh Phokeethra, drawing senior Cambodian officials, diplomats, business leaders, academics, Russian residents, and Cambodian alumni of Soviet and Russian universities.

In his welcoming remarks, Russian Ambassador to Cambodia Anatoly Borovik described Russia as a bridge between Europe and Asia that unites diverse cultures and civilisations.

Ambassador Borovik praised the contribution of Russia’s multi-ethnic population to global science and culture, pledging Moscow’s commitment to stronger ties across Asia, Africa, and Latin America. He added that Russian foreign policy prioritises sovereign equality, non-interference in internal affairs, and opposition to neo-colonialism.

Noting the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Russia and Cambodia this year, Ambassador Borovik described the relationship as built on friendship, mutual respect, and trust.

“Over the past seven decades, we have managed to build strong ties of friendship, mutual respect and trust, which have successfully withstood the test of time and changes in the international landscape. Today, Russia-Cambodia cooperation continues to develop steadily across a wide range of areas,” he said.

Ambassador Borovik described Cambodia as one of Russia’s trusted partners in Southeast Asia, noting that co-operation spans diplomacy, education, trade, culture, security, and multilateral relations.

“The Kingdom of Cambodia holds a special place among our trusted friends and partners,” he said.

He said expanding co-operation in trade, investment, agriculture, tourism, construction, manufacturing, and pharmaceuticals. Educational exchanges remain a key element of the relationship; more than 8,000 Cambodians have graduated from universities in Russia and the former Soviet Union.

The ambassador underscored the importance of cooperation within regional and international frameworks, particularly through ASEAN and the United Nations.

Looking ahead, Ambassador Borovik said the ASEAN-Russia Commemorative Summit, scheduled for June 17–18 in Kazan, will strengthen engagement between Russia and the bloc as the two sides mark 35 years of dialogue relations.

Representing Cambodia as guest of honour, Senior Minister Ly Thuch, first vice-president of the Cambodian Mine Action and Victim Assistance Authority, praised the enduring relationship between the two nations.

Thuch said the two countries have sustained co-operation since establishing diplomatic relations in 1956, despite geopolitical shifts.

“Through changing times and a changing world, our two peoples have kept faith with one another—in respect, in trust and in friendship,” Thuch said.

Thuch credited the Soviet Union with playing a vital role in Cambodia’s development, particularly by training local specialists.

He said that educational co-operation remains central to the relationship, with thousands of Soviet- and Russian-educated Cambodian graduates now serving in leadership roles across government, business, and academia.

Thuch also pointed to deep cultural bonds and people-to-people exchanges that have fostered mutual understanding over seven decades.

A photo exhibition titled “Cambodia Through the Lens of Russian Diplomats” was displayed to mark the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations.