In a historic step toward deepening South-South cooperation, Senate President Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen and visiting Pakistani Senate Chairman Syed Yousaf Raza Gillani have committed to a significant expansion of bilateral trade and diplomatic presence. The high-level meeting, held at the Solidarity Palace on February 2, 2026, marks a pivotal moment in the 74-year relationship between the two nations.
Strengthening Diplomatic Foundations
A cornerstone of the discussion was Samdech Techo’s formal support for establishing a Cambodian Embassy in Islamabad. Highlighting the deep historical ties, the Senate President recalled that Pakistan was among the first nations to recognize Cambodia’s sovereignty in 1952—predating the Kingdom’s independence from France.
“The recognition from Pakistan in 1952 is a significant historical gesture that Cambodia remembers and values,” Samdech Techo Hun Sen noted, emphasizing that a permanent mission in Islamabad will serve as a vital bridge for future cooperation.
To formalize this new era of partnership, the two leaders presided over the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the secretariats of their respective Senates, aimed at institutionalizing legislative exchanges and inter-parliamentary diplomacy.
Closing the Trade Gap: From $53M to New Heights
Despite flourishing political ties, both leaders acknowledged that economic cooperation remains under-leveraged. Bilateral trade in 2025 stood at approximately US$53 million, a figure both sides described as far below its true potential.
With Pakistan’s population exceeding 240 million, the Cambodian government identified several key sectors for rapid growth:
- Tourism & Connectivity: Attracting more Pakistani visitors is seen as a primary driver for people-to-people exchange and direct economic impact.
- Agriculture & Textiles: Building on earlier Joint Trade Committee (JTC) discussions, both sides are exploring joint ventures in rice trade and garment manufacturing.
- Pharmaceuticals & ICT: Leveraging Pakistan’s strengths in medicine and IT to support Cambodia’s digital transformation.
A Beacon for Regional Stability
Chairman Gillani, on his third visit to Cambodia, praised the Kingdom’s “successful and stable” leadership transition under Prime Minister Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet. He extended an official invitation to Samdech Techo Hun Sen to visit Pakistan, further cementing the bond between the two nations.
For foreign investors, this alignment signals the opening of a new South Asian gateway. As Cambodia integrates more deeply with partners outside of ASEAN, it offers a diversified market for Pakistani businesses looking to tap into the RCEP and the broader Indo-Pacific region.
FAQ: Cambodia-Pakistan Relations 2026
The decision reflects the growing need for a permanent diplomatic mission to facilitate trade, handle the increasing flow of tourists, and manage formal bilateral agreements as the relationship shifts from purely political to comprehensive economic cooperation.
Currently, trade involves garments, textiles, and agricultural products. However, the new focus includes pharmaceuticals, surgical instruments, and information technology.
While direct flights are still under discussion, the recent focus on tourism and aviation cooperation aims to establish more efficient air links to support the target of increasing visitor numbers from Pakistan’s 240+ million population.