Kazakh President Qasym-Jomart Toqaev and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet held one-on-one talks, during which the head of state called the guest's visit historic, infohub.kz reports.
Welcoming the high-ranking guest, the Kazakh president said the visit would give fresh impetus to bilateral relations and open new prospects for mutually beneficial cooperation.
"I believe your visit is of historic significance, since no Cambodian prime minister has previously visited Kazakhstan. At the same time, you have a certain personal connection to our country: your father visited Kazakhstan back in 1982. Today we will discuss a wide range of bilateral issues. Kazakhstan holds your country in great affection. Many Kazakhs would like to visit Cambodia and see its sights. We need to discuss opening direct flights between our two countries. We should also step up exchanges in the humanitarian sphere," Qasym-Jomart Toqaev said.
The head of state stressed that Kazakhstan and Cambodia possess substantial natural resources, which helps expand cooperation in this area. According to him, today's talks will also address strengthening trade and economic ties.
The Cambodian prime minister thanked Qasym-Jomart Toqaev for the invitation to visit Kazakhstan, noting that the two countries have maintained diplomatic relations for more than 30 years.
"I believe we now have an opportunity to deepen cooperation in the energy sector. We could instruct our ministries to jointly identify areas of mutual interest. Kazakhstan has considerable experience and advanced expertise in e-government. Our ministries are very interested in exchanging experience in this area," Hun Manet said.
During the meeting, the two sides discussed in detail the further expansion of political dialogue, trade and economic ties and cooperation on multilateral platforms.
It was reported earlier that the Cambodian prime minister had arrived in Kazakhstan on an official visit. A ceremonial welcome for him by Qasym-Jomart Toqaev was held at the Akorda.