Phnom Penh:The Federal Republic of Germany has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Cambodia's decentralisation and deconcentration administrative reforms. The announcement was made by H.E. Ms. Silke Röfer, the newly appointed German Ambassador to Cambodia, during a bilateral meeting with Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior H.E. Abhisantibindit Sar Sokha.
According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, Ambassador Röfer highlighted the strong ties between Germany and Cambodia and their cooperation in supporting democratic reforms at the local governance level. She also mentioned H.E. Abhisantibindit Sar Sokha's 2024 study tour to Germany and Switzerland to explore local governance models, as well as plans for several upcoming joint projects.
In response, H.E. Deputy Prime Minister Sar Sokha expressed appreciation for the progress achieved under Cambodia's decentralisation policy. He emphasized the transfer of functions, resources, and budgets from the national to sub-national authorities, a process continuously supported by Germany across successive government mandates.
The Interior Minister detailed the structural setups and elections at various administrative levels in Cambodia, along with the expansion of human resources and the transfer of over 800 public service categories to local administrations. He noted the significant increase in commune/Sangkat funds from approximately US$20,000 in 2002 to about US$200,000 in 2026.
H.E. Sar Sokha also briefed the ambassador on Cambodia's efforts to combat cyber-fraud, highlighting the deportation and voluntary departure of about 500,000 foreign nationals, the establishment of strict legal frameworks, and enhanced cooperation with international law enforcement partners. Numerous arrests of foreign ringleaders and local officials have been made, and around 400 illegal online scam operations have been cleared.
Ambassador Röfer acknowledged the briefing's importance and stated she would inform the German government, relevant stakeholders, investors, and tourism sector representatives accordingly.