Wellington, New Zealand – New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters welcomed Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Prak Sokhonn to Wellington this week, marking a significant step in strengthening bilateral ties between the two nations. The visit, occurring from March 12 to 13, 2026, represents the first high-level engagement between Cambodia and New Zealand since 2019, signaling a renewed commitment to cooperation across multiple sectors.
The meetings between Peters and Sokhonn focused on expanding collaboration in political, economic, development, and educational spheres. Discussions also encompassed regional and international issues, reaffirming both countries’ dedication to fostering a stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific region. This engagement comes after Foreign Minister Peters’s own official visit to Cambodia in November 2025, demonstrating a reciprocal commitment to the relationship, according to the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
Demining Assistance and Economic Cooperation
A key outcome of the discussions was New Zealand’s pledge of an additional NZ$7.5 million – approximately $4.37 million USD – to support Cambodia’s ongoing demining efforts. This financial assistance will contribute to risk reduction and provide support for victims of landmines, a persistent challenge in Cambodia following decades of conflict. New Zealand recognizes Cambodia as a “steadfast and trusted partner in the Indo-Pacific region,” as stated by Minister Peters during the meeting.
Beyond demining, both ministers acknowledged the steady growth in bilateral trade and identified substantial potential for further economic expansion. They encouraged increased engagement between government institutions and business communities in both countries to promote investment opportunities. Cambodia expressed appreciation for New Zealand’s continued support for scholarship programs, specifically the Manaaki Scholarships and English-language training initiatives for Cambodian officials, which aim to bolster Cambodia’s human resource development. These programs are seen as a key pillar of the bilateral relationship.
Regional Security and Border Concerns
During the bilateral talks, Deputy Prime Minister Sokhonn provided an update on recent developments concerning the situation along the Cambodia-Thailand border. The specifics of these developments were not publicly disclosed, but the discussion highlights the importance of regional stability and security cooperation between the two countries. Both sides also welcomed continued high-level exchanges and pledged to collaborate in addressing transnational crime and maintaining regional stability.
The meetings took place amidst a busy schedule for Deputy Prime Minister Sokhonn, who also held bilateral discussions with Swiss President and Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis, and participated in a trilateral meeting involving Cambodia, Thailand, and China on March 13, 2026. He also engaged in a telephone conversation with French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Noël Barrot and met with Her Excellency Louise Mushikiwabo.
The deepening of ties between New Zealand and Cambodia reflects a broader trend of increased engagement within the Indo-Pacific region. New Zealand’s commitment to supporting Cambodia’s demining efforts and its focus on economic and educational cooperation underscore its long-term investment in the country’s stability and development. The renewed high-level dialogue is expected to pave the way for further collaboration on shared priorities and contribute to a more secure and prosperous region.
Looking ahead, both nations are expected to continue fostering dialogue and collaboration on key areas of mutual interest. The outcomes of these discussions will likely shape the future trajectory of the New Zealand-Cambodia relationship and contribute to broader regional dynamics. Share your thoughts on this developing partnership in the comments below.
