The Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung Cambodia (KAS) on Friday celebrated the foundation’s unique contribution to the promotion of democracy, the rule of law and a social market economy in the Kingdom at a 25th-anniversary gathering in the Phnom Penh.

Sak Setha, the secretary of state at the Ministry of Interior, said at the event that since 2009, Germany had become a primary partner providing grants for development in Cambodia.

According to official development data, between 1992 and 2018, Germany provided a total of $300 million to the Kingdom, and last year, it granted $39 million to Cambodia – a $3 million increase compared to the previous year.

“This has supported key sectors such as health, social security, demining, land management, rural development and good governance,” Setha said.

KAS participation

He said KAS’ funding has significantly contributed to the development and reconstruction of the Kingdom and the results we see today.

“We cannot look at our economic, social and political achievements without acknowledging the participation, cooperation and support of Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung,” Setha said.

For the last 25 years, KAS has made unique contributions to the promotion of democracy, the rule of law and a social market economy as well as to foster peace and freedom in Cambodia by becoming involved in numerous projects, including the one-window service, local citizen’s offices, waste management and much more.

“These great achievements come from the active cooperation between all our stakeholders and partners for best understanding and the highest commitment,” the press release said.

Reflecting on job well done

KAS country director Daniel Schmucking said it was appropriate to reflect on the support and cooperation between Germany and Cambodia as none of the successes would be possible without the positive relations between the two countries.

“The anniversary – and none more so than the 25th – is always a great opportunity to look back. But it’s also a terrific chance to look to the future. I mention this because it is quite important from my perspective to think about Cambodia’s future, and not always look back at the past, ” he said.

Schmucking said KAS is always thinking of Cambodia’s future and is open to all people sharing their ideas with a view to becoming a cooperation partner.

Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung – or Konrad Adenauer Foundation – is a German political foundation with over 90 international offices responsible for more than 200 projects in over 120 countries around the world.

Its mission is based on the principles of Konrad Hermann Joseph Adenauer – the first Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany (West Germany) from 1949 to 1963 – and aims to work towards peace, freedom and justice through political education at the national and international levels.

KAS has been working in Cambodia since 1994, striving to support the Cambodian people by fostering dialogue, building networks and enhancing scientific projects.