SVG establishes diplomatic relations with the Kingdom of Cambodia

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines has formalised diplomatic relations with the Kingdom of Cambodia. At a meeting on Tuesday, Ambassadors Dr. Sea Kosal of the Kingdom of Cambodia and Camillo Gonsalves of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines signed the documents establishing relations on behalf of their respective countries.{{more}}

Ambassador Gonsalves informed his counterpart that Saint Vincent and the Grenadines was honoured to be establishing diplomatic relations with Cambodia. He cited both countries’ young populations, transition from agriculture to tourism, and vulnerability to climate change as common characteristics of both nations. Ambassador Gonsalves expressed the hope that, despite the distance between the two countries and their different histories and cultures, Cambodia and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines would strengthen the bonds of friendship and cooperation in the future.

Ambassador Dr. Sea Kosal of Cambodia also saw the establishment of relations as a critical first step in the strengthening of ties between the two countries. He expressed the gratitude of his nation for the formalisation of ties, and echoed Ambassador Gonsalves’ sentiments regarding future cooperation and collaboration.

Cambodia is a South East Asian country of over 14 million people. The country borders Thailand, Laos and Vietnam. The 2008 GDP (PPP) of Cambodia exceeded $28 billion, and the country’s economy is based on agriculture, textile manufacturing and tourism. The country has a rich and ancient history, and was the seat of the powerful Hindu and Buddhist Khmer Empire from the 11th to 14th centuries. The country was scarred by wars and civil wars beginning in the 1970s, with the rise of Pol Pot and the Khmer Rouge. In recent years, however, Cambodia has enjoyed peace and a rapidly expanding economy, which grew at a rate of over 10% between 2004 and 2008. In 2005, the country discovered large oil reserves, and will begin commercial extraction in 2011.

Cambodia marks the 12th country with which Saint Vincent and the Grenadines has established diplomatic relations in the last 19 months.