Phnom penh: Cambodia and Trkiye have formally strengthened bilateral security cooperation following a high-level official visit by Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, H.E. Abhisantibindit Sar Sokha, which concluded on Feb. 14. The mission, which began on Feb. 9, underscores the priority placed by the Royal Government of Cambodia on deepening long-standing interior and security ties between the two nations.
According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, a primary outcome of the visit was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Law Enforcement Training Cooperation. The agreement was signed by Deputy Prime Minister Sar Sokha and Turkish Deputy Interior Minister Mehmet Saglam, who represented the Turkish Ministry of Interior.
The two sides reached a consensus on several critical security fronts, including enhancing the exchange of expertise to suppress sophisticated technological scams and fraudulent activities, and strengthening cooperation in the investigation, apprehension, and repatriation of criminal offenders. Trkiye also committed to increasing the number of scholarships available to Cambodian Ministry of Interior officials.
Beyond security, the delegations engaged in high-level discussions regarding the expansion of bilateral trade and tourism, with a specific focus on streamlining visa processes to facilitate increased movement between the two countries.
During the visit, the Cambodian delegation toured the Turkish National Police Academy. Discussions centred on a future initiative where Turkish experts will conduct knowledge-sharing presentations for Cambodian police officers and cadets. The Deputy Prime Minister also met with 18 Cambodian trainees, including faculty and students from the Police Academy of Cambodia, currently studying in Trkiye. He urged the cohort to leverage Turkish expertise in discipline and technical skills to enhance Cambodia's national security infrastructure upon their return.
Reflecting the Royal Government of Cambodia's push toward a digital economy and "e-government," the delegation explored advanced Turkish digital technologies designed for modern policing. The visit aimed at identifying new equipment and technological tools to modernise the Cambodian National Police force.
The mission concluded with a diplomatic visit to the Royal Embassy of Cambodia in Ankara, marking a significant step in the Kingdom's "plus-one" strategy of diversifying international security partnerships.