Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov’s opening remarks during talks with Senior Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Kingdom of Cambodia Prak Sokhonn in Moscow, October 3, 2016

Mr Sokhom, my friend,

I am very glad to see you in Moscow. I have fond memories of our conversation at the ASEAN-Russia Summit in Sochi last May. The past couple of years have been quite intensive in terms of our political dialogue. On the sidelines of the ASEAN-Russia Summit in Sochi, President of Russia Vladimir Putin met with Prime Minister Hun Sen. The prime ministers of our countries exchanged visits in 2015–2016. During these contacts, we reached important agreements on the further development and advancement of our relations. Today is a good occasion to see how these agreements are being fulfilled. Moreover, tomorrow you will have an important meeting with Nikolai Nikiforov, Minister of Communications and Mass Media and Co-Chair of the Intergovernmental Commission for Trade and Economic Cooperation.

Your current visit to Moscow is a great opportunity to review in detail the goals of our bilateral relations. Today I expect an extensive exchange of opinions on our cooperation on the international stage, on regional issues and within the UN.

Last May we celebrated 60 years of diplomatic relations between our countries, which gives further meaning to our contacts this year. We set great value on our long-term neighbourly relations and are interested in developing all of their aspects.

Welcome!