Malaysian Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob’s visit to the Kingdom last week further deepened ties with its regional partner, with talks held with his Cambodian counterpart Prime Minister Hun Sen.

Ismail Sabri’s visit from February 23-24 came with Cambodia this year taking over the chairmanship of the 10-member ASEAN regional economic bloc, of which Malaysia was a founding member.

The official visit also added further momentum to ties as Cambodia and Malaysia this year mark the 65th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations.

Ismail Sabri’s packed two-day itinerary included laying a wreath at Independence Monument, paying tribute at the memorial to Cambodia’s late King Father Norodom Sihanouk and holding bilateral talks with Hun Sen at the Peace Palace on Thursday. The Cambodian prime minister also hosted a reception for the visiting premier.

Ismail Sabri had an audience with King Norodom Sihamoni at the Royal Palace, and paid courtesy calls to president of the Cambodian Senate Say Chhum and president of the National Assembly Heng Samrin.

At a dinner on Wednesday with the Malaysian community in Cambodia, Ismail Sabri spoke of the vibrant relations between the two nations.

“I am here on the invitation of Prime Minister Hun Sen, and Cambodia is an old partner. We would like to further improve bilateral ties between Cambodia and Malaysia, and also increase bilateral trade between our two countries, which is currently low compared with other ASEAN countries.

“We will encourage more Malaysian investors to invest in Cambodia, especially in the halal food sector, distribution supply chain, digital economy and cyber security,” said Ismail Sabri.

There are currently around 5,000 Malaysians living and working in the Kingdom, and some 500 Malaysian companies operating in a variety of sectors, from finance and banking, food and beverage, to trade and consumer products. PHOTOS BY Hong Menea, Ministry of Information and Prime Minister Hun Sen’s Facebook