Phnom Penh: Samdech Maha Rathsapheathika Thipadei Khuon Sudary, President of the National Assembly of Cambodia, recently welcomed H.E. Ms. Frances Adamson AC, State Governor of South Australia, at the National Assembly Palace. Their meeting underscored a mutual commitment to enhancing bilateral relations, particularly in the field of education.
According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, Samdech Khuon Sudary expressed gratitude for Australia's support during Cambodia's peace process and praised Governor Adamson's leadership as a representation of Australia's dedication to gender equality and women's empowerment. Governor Adamson acknowledged the mature relationship between the two nations and emphasized the importance of continued cooperation. She highlighted the strong people-to-people connections and the shared potential for growth in both bilateral and regional collaboration.
Governor Adamson further discussed South Australia's innovation-driven education model, which integrates universities with industry, ensuring students acquire practical skills. She proposed enhanced cooperation in technical and vocational education and training, offering Cambodian students opportunities to pursue advanced training at South Australian universities.
Samdech Khuon Sudary expressed appreciation for Australia's longstanding support in human resource development, noting that between 1994 and 2024, 1,073 Cambodian students received Australian scholarships, with over 60 percent being women. She highlighted the benefits of Australian university life in shaping Cambodian students into globally minded professionals.
The meeting also touched on economic cooperation, with Samdech Khuon Sudary discussing Cambodia's commitment to economic growth under Prime Minister Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet. In 2024, bilateral trade between Cambodia and Australia reached approximately US$599 million, with continued growth into March 2025.
Governor Adamson highlighted Australia's role in renewable energy and expressed optimism for deeper energy cooperation with Cambodia, particularly in sustainability and innovation.