Cambodian PM announces decision to offer 10 scholarship opportunities for Maldivian students

10 scholarship opportunities have been offered for Maldivian students to study in higher educational institutions of Cambodia.

This was announced by the Prime Minister of Cambodia, Hun Sen on Monday, as part of his ongoing official visit to the Maldives upon the invitation of the Maldivian president.

The two leaders delivered a joint statement following official talks on Monday afternoon, where the media was briefed on the topics discussed at the official talks as well as the key agreements signed between the two countries.

President Solih and the Cambodian PM shed light on the common challenges and concerns facing both countries and shared similar ideas and concepts to overcome them.

They also stated that prioritizing international cooperation and goodwill with neighbors in the hopes of reaping the benefits of a strong partnership was the way forward.

The statement saw the Cambodian PM shedding light on the significance of improved bilateral relations, trade, and cultural relations between the two nations.

Going on to cite that people-to-people contact remains an integral part of any bilateral relationship, President Solih expressed satisfaction with the agreement signed on easing visa facilitations, which allows a 30-day on-arrival visa for travel between the two countries.

Highlighting the opportunity for Maldivian importers to tap into Cambodia's rice and other agriculture sector markets, President Solih also expressed interest to improve trade ties.

Cambodia exports rice and other agricultural products such as maize, peppers, dried cassava, cashew nuts, and fruits.

Thanking the Maldivian leader for offering the opportunity for Cambodian defense personnel to attend dive training courses in the Maldives, the Cambodian PM announced the decision to offer scholarship opportunities for Maldivian students.

Discussions were also held on bilateral trade opportunities with an emphasis on importing other commodities produced in Cambodia, such as garments, travel goods, and wood products, to the Maldives.

It was also revealed that Cambodia would consider importing canned tuna and other fisheries products from the Maldives, with President Solih highlighting that diversifying imports to multiple markets would reduce the prices of staple foods, enhance food security, and provide more choices to consumers.

The Maldivian leader also shed light on the exchange of six bilateral agreements, expressing hope for a renewed commitment to greater cooperation, especially on international issues of mutual interest.

President Solih particularly emphasized on the engagements at the United Nations (UN) and other international organizations working collaboratively towards achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), common perspectives on climate change, and issues relating to international peace and security.

Both leaders concluded the joint statement by laying the foundations and establishing key components to sustain and elevate the partnership.

They expressed hope for improved cooperation and friendship between the two nations in the years to come.