RUSSIA has asked Cambodia’s government to open direct routes connecting Moscow to Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, Cheam Yeap, chairman of the National Assembly’s Finance and Banking Commission, told reporters on his return from a six-day visit to the country. He said the Russian government hoped the prospective routes would open up tourism and trade opportunities between the two countries. A Russian delegation is due to arrive in Cambodia on Sunday and will explore the issue further, he said. Last year, 16,927 tourists from Russia came to the Kingdom.