Newly appointed Croatian ambassador Ivan Starcevic and senate president Say Chhum said both countries were committed to strengthening their bilateral relations in order to promote the mutual interests of the peoples of both countries.

The commitment was made during their meeting on May 5.

In a May 6 press statement, the Senate said Starcevic had recalled meetings between the late King Father Norodom Sihanouk and the leaders of Croatia, which had contributed to the strengthening of ties and cooperation between the two countries since the 1950s during the era of Yugoslavia.

Starcevic, whose residence is in Kuala Lumpur, said he was optimistic that the ties and cooperation between the two nations would become stronger through his diplomatic activities in Cambodia.

“The ambassador is ready to commit all of his physical and mental strength to ensuring the relationship and cooperation between the two countries improves,” the Senate said.

Say Chhum was optimistic that Starcevic would promote the relationship during his mandate – for the sake of the peoples of Cambodia and Croatia.

The senate president was ready to cooperate and work with Starcevic during his mission, the statement said.