Hon Hugo Swire to meet Cambodia’s political opponents

Chhay Sophal
Cambodia News

Phnom Penh (29 Jan 2014): Foreign Office Minister of the United Kingdom is visiting political-troubling Cambodia tomorrow to meet Prime Minister Hun Sen and Leaders of Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) to talk about the current political crisis after the national elections in July 2013.

According to a press release of the British embassy here in Phnom Penh and obtained by Cambodia News on Wednesday, Foreign Office Minister Minister Rt Hon Hugo Swire will arrive in Cambodia for the first time and will meet Hun Sen, Foreign Minister Hor Namhong and CNRP leaders to discuss the current political situation.

During his two-day trip — part of a sustained programme of Ministerial engagement with South East Asian nations to strengthen ties and build new links — Mr Swire also wants to explore the potential to increase trade links between Cambodia and UK “as a basis for future economic growth.”

Based on his schedule, Mr Swire is also due to meet UK businesses representatives and visit the Vattanac Tower, which UK designers helped build and meet with Cambodian alumni of UK Universities, said the release, adding that “Minister Swire will also focus on the work of the Extraordinary Chambers of the Court of Cambodia, of which the UK is a strong supporter, and is due to visit the Tuol Sleng genocide museum

The press release quoted Mr Swire as saying that “I am very pleased to be making my first trip to Cambodia. Cambodia is a vibrant and exciting country where the UK is keen to deepen engagement. I am here to better understand the current political landscape and challenges that remain in ensuring a peaceful, secure and democratic future for Cambodia.”

In July 2012, Mr Swire’s predecessor — Rt Hon. Jeremy Browne – also visited Cambodia and so far there have been other high profile visits by the Secretary of State for Wales and Lord Green.