The Republic of Maldives and the Kingdom of Cambodia exchanged six key agreements on Monday, demonstrating a pivotal point of progress in bilateral relations between the two countries. H.E. President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih and the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia, Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen, presided over the agreement exchange ceremony.

The agreements exchanged today are:

1. The Agreement on Visa Exemption for Holders of Diplomatic, Official, and Ordinary Passports between the Government of the Republic of Maldives and the Government of the Kingdom of Cambodia.

The agreement was signed by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Maldives, H.E. Abdulla Shahid (ODRI), and the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Kingdom of Cambodia, H.E. Mr Prak Sokhon. The agreement will ease existing travel restrictions for holders of diplomatic, official, and ordinary passports of both the Maldives and Cambodia and strengthen the socio-economic relationship between the countries.

2. Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Bilateral Consultations between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Maldives and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Kingdom of Cambodia.

The MoU was signed by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Maldives, H.E. Abdulla Shahid (ODRI), and the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Kingdom of Cambodia, H.E. Mr Prak Sokhon. The agreement will invite discussions to build relationships between the Maldives and Cambodia in various fields.

3. Agreement on Economic Cooperation between the Government of the Republic of Maldives and the Government of the Kingdom of Cambodia.

The agreement was signed by the Minister of Economic Development of the Republic of Maldives, Uz. Fayyaz Ismail, and the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Kingdom of Cambodia, H.E. Mr Prak Sokhon. The agreement seeks to strengthen, promote, and develop economic cooperation between the Maldives and Cambodia based on equality and mutual benefit.

4. Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Health Cooperation between the Government of the Republic of Maldives and the Government of the Kingdom of Cambodia.

The MoU was signed by the Minister of Health of the Republic of Maldives, H.E. Ahmed Naseem, and the Minister of Health of the Kingdom of Cambodia, H.E. Prof. MAM Bunheng. The agreement will assist the Maldives in seeking support to enhance healthcare facilities, train healthcare professionals, and carry out prevention and advocacy programmes.

5. Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Tourism Cooperation between the Government of the Republic of Maldives and the Government of the Kingdom of Cambodia.

The MoU was signed by the Minister of Tourism of the Republic of Maldives, Dr Abdulla Mausoom and the Minister of Tourism of the Kingdom of Cambodia, H.E. Mr Thong Khon. The agreement will help advertise tourism, provide training, further investment opportunities, and facilitate travel between the Maldives and Cambodia.

6. Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Maldives National Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Cambodia Chamber of Commerce.

The MoU was signed by a board member of the Maldives National Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Mr Mohamed Ikram Ibrahim, and the President of the Cambodia Chamber of Commerce, H.E. Mr Neak Oknh Kith Men.

The agreement will open possibilities for building trade relations, increasing trade, expanding investments, and further enhancing industrial, business, and economic cooperation between the Maldives and Cambodia.