The Russian embassy in Cambodia has reaffirmed Russia’s readiness to provide anti-cyber crime training to the Cambodian National Police. 

The confirmation came during a May 6 meeting between Russian ambassador Anatoly Borovik and Minister of Interior Sar Sokha.

During the meeting, held at the interior ministry headquarters, the embassy and the ministry also pledged their commitment to strengthening ties in other areas.

Both sides expressed satisfaction with the outcomes of previous law enforcement cooperation and training exchanges, according to a May 6 press release from the ministry.

“In connection with the importance of additional capacity building for the forces to prevent the development of modern crime, especially information technology crimes, Borovik reiterated the readiness of the Russian side to provide training to the Cambodian National Police, both bilaterally and within the ASEAN framework,” it continued.

“Sokha and Borovik also expressed their commitment to further strengthening the existing bilateral relations and expanding relations in other fields to be stronger for the benefit of the governments and people of both nations,” it added.

In the past, Russian institutions have provided training in various fields, most notably in the fields of counter-terrorism and espionage, and have regularly invited ministry officials to attend various events in Russia.

During the meeting, Sokha praised the excellent diplomatic relations between the two countries, saying that for nearly seven decades, cooperation between Cambodia and Russia has contributed to the restoration and development of Cambodian society, providing mutual benefits in many fields.

Borovik highlighted the development of global security challenges, including transnational crimes, drugs, disinformation and especially terrorism, which requires bilateral and regional cooperation.

Sokha highlighted the efforts and continued commitment of the government of Cambodia to combat transnational crimes and the drug trade.

Thong Mengdavid, a lecturer at the Royal University of Phnom Penh’s (RUPP) Institute for International Studies and Public Policy, described Russia as a leading country in the field of technology and also a good friend of Cambodia. He added that Russia has played an important role in promoting education, technology, and security and has provided a great deal of technical assistance to the Kingdom.

In the security sector, he suggested that Russia could provide training or send cyber security experts to give presentations to Cambodian police officers. He also believed that Russia could expand its intelligence sharing with the Kingdom, in order to prevent illegal activities or trans-border crime.

“Cambodia could also ask Russia to provide assistance in the form of equipment and the building of infrastructure which will increase the efficiency of policework. Cyber security has become a major issue here and around the region, due to faster and smarter technological advances,” he said.

“As such, Cambodia needs to be ready. We can do this by increasing cooperation with foreign partners and by promoting participation in international cyber security seminars. This will increase the capacity of our officials and ensure they have access to the most up-to-date information on cyber technology developments,” Mengdavid told The Post on May 7.