KUWAIT: Ambassador of the Royal Kingdom of Cambodia Sman Manan reaffirmed the strong and growing relationship between Cambodia and Kuwait on Sunday, tracing its roots back to 1995 when bilateral ties were first established. During a briefing on Cambodia’s tourism, the ambassador stated that the relationship between his country and Kuwait began through the efforts of Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammed Al-Sabah, who played a pivotal role in bringing the two countries closer together.
“In 2008, Cambodia opened its embassy in Kuwait, marking a new chapter in diplomatic engagement. That same year, Sheikh Nasser, who served as Prime Minister back then, visited Cambodia, and several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) were signed, covering areas such as manpower, investment, agriculture, and civil aviation,” he said. “In 2009, then-Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen visited Kuwait, resulting in more agreements. To date, 11 MoUs have been signed between the two countries.” However, while the agreements are in place, the ambassador acknowledged that actual trade and investment flows have yet to reach their full potential.
The ambassador noted that over the years, five ambassadors have served in Kuwait, with the current ambassador serving his second term, first in 2015 and again since 2023. His mission focuses on strengthening government-to-government ties, enhancing bilateral trade, attracting Kuwaiti investors to Cambodia, and promoting tourism between the two countries.
Cambodian products and posters explaining the country’s top attractions and culinary delicacies are displayed.
Regarding tourism, the ambassador explained that Cambodian visas for Kuwaitis can be obtained in three ways: Directly from the embassy in Kuwait, online through the official application portal, or upon arrival with arrangements made via a Cambodian travel agency.
The ambassador said that while tourist arrivals from Kuwait remain low, many visitors come for humanitarian work, reflecting Kuwait’s strong charitable reputation in Cambodia. He stressed that Kuwait has sponsored schools, mosques, housing projects, and orphanages, contributing significantly to Muslim communities across Cambodia.
He noted that Cambodia currently has 635 mosques nationwide and a Muslim population of nearly one million, or approximately 5 percent of the population. He assured tourists that halal food is widely available and that the country enjoys complete peace and stability, adding that he is working on establishing a direct flight between the two countries.
The ambassador revealed that 38 Cambodian students are studying Arabic in Kuwait under religious sponsorship programs. He encouraged Kuwaiti investors to explore Cambodia’s opportunities in real estate, tourism, agriculture, manufacturing, and infrastructure. He announced that Cambodia will inaugurate a new international airport on September 9, capable of accommodating large aircraft, which will make travel and investment easier.
“Our goal is to enhance the bilateral relationship, link our trade and investment sectors, and promote tourism and cultural exchange. Cambodia is open, peaceful, and full of potential for our Kuwaiti friends,” the ambassador said.
