Phnom penh: The Council for the Development of Cambodia (CDC) and the EU Delegation to Cambodia organized a high-level dialogue at the CDC on Nov. 11, focusing on the Joint European Strategy for Development Cooperation with Cambodia (JES 2021-2027) and the Global Gateway Strategy. This event underscored the strong partnership between Cambodia and the European Union.

According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, the high-level dialogue was co-chaired by H.E. Chhieng Yanara, Senior Minister in Charge of Special Missions and Second Vice-Chairman of the Council for the Development of Cambodia, and H.E. Igor Driesmans, Ambassador of the EU Delegation to Cambodia. The meeting included representatives from 25 Cambodian ministries and institutions, as well as high-ranking officials from the EU and various European countries.

The dialogue aimed to review the progress of cooperation between European partners and the Cambodian government. H.E. Chhieng Yanara praised the effective implementation of strategies aligned with Cambodia’s national priorities and the tangible results achieved.

H.E. Ambassador Igor Driesmans emphasized that the Joint European Strategy and the EU Global Gateway reflect Europe’s commitment to fostering an inclusive and sustainable socio-economic model in Cambodia. He highlighted the alignment of European expertise and financing with Cambodia’s growth objectives.

The EU’s financial engagement through the Global Gateway and Team Europe Initiatives showcases its long-term development commitment to Cambodia. From 2021 to 2024, European partners disbursed a total of US$992 million to promote Cambodia’s green, digital, and inclusive growth, as well as ASEAN regional integration.

Notable achievements include the Bakheng Water Supply Project, which is set to meet Phnom Penh’s water needs by 2025, the installation of 1,950 kilometers of new pipelines, and the connection of 110,000 households. Over 113,000 scholarships have been granted, with more than 500 STEM opportunities for youth. The initiative has also made progress in upgrading rural infrastructure, expanding energy access, reducing power outages, and advancing governance and environmental protection.

The European partners reiterated their commitment to a principled and collaborative partnership with the Cambodian government, the private sector, and civil society across all sectors.