2021-2027 Joint European Strategy for Development Cooperation with Cambodia Discussed

The Joint European Strategy for Development Cooperation with Cambodia 2021-2027 have been discussed here recently.

The discussion took place between H.E. Chhieng Yanara, Minister Attached to the Prime Minister and Secretary General of the Cambodian Rehabilitation and Development Board of the Council for Development of Cambodia (CRDB/CDC), and H.E. Ms. Carmen Moreno, EU Ambassador to the Kingdom of Cambodia.

The meeting was attended by high-ranking and technical government officials from 29 line ministries and institutions as well as representatives form 10 European Partners countries, including H.E. Jacques Pellet, Ambassador of France, current Presidency of the EU Council, and H.E. Martin Vavra, Ambassador of the Czech Republic.

On the occasion, H.E. Chhieng Yanara mentioned that he “welcomes the Strategy, which promotes European policy coherence and ensures greater impact of European Partners’ cooperation in Cambodia”.

“The new strategy is fully aligned with Cambodia’s Rectangular Strategy IV and with European Partners’ global priorities, including promoting the green transition, enhanced multilateralism and the respect of a rule based global order,” said H.E. Jacques Pellet, French Ambassador to Cambodia, in his opening address.

“The new Strategy will contribute to the implementation of the Agenda 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals and will support Cambodia in its efforts to achieve higher connectivity with ASEAN, as well as improved regional and global integration,” he added.

According to a press release of CDC, through this strategy, the EU will focus on six priorities including Democratic accountability, Democratic participation, Human development, Competitiveness in the regional and global marketplaces, Green development, and Cultural heritage.

To implement this strategy, the European Partners identified a total budget of around EUR 1,432.63 million, focused on strengthening socio-economic recovery as well as crosscutting issues of human rights, inclusion, gender equality, women and youth empowerment, climate and environmental sustainability. The Joint European Strategy also identifies entry-points to advance digitalisation and assist the Royal Government to ensure compatibility, sustainability of ICT solutions and alignment with relevant international norms and standards, particularly regarding data protection, it added.

In her closing remarks, H.E. Ms. Carmen Moreno, Ambassador of the European Union, spoke about the relevance of the “Joint European Strategy” and its importance for the implantation of broader European Union strategies in Cambodia, such as the Indo-Pacific Strategy or the Global Gateway Strategy. The “JES will support the European partners and Cambodia, its Government, civil society and private sector, to enhance their connectivity in as sustainable way, with the highest social and environmental standards”.

H.E. Chhieng Yanara, expressed his sincere appreciation to the European Union and the European Partners for their contribution to the development of Cambodia.

Source: Agency Kampuchea Press