AKP Phnom Penh, April 10, 2026 -- The Ministry of Tourism and the Embassy of the Republic of Türkiye in Cambodia have reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthen and expand mutually beneficial tourism cooperation.

The commitment was made during a farewell meeting held in Phnom Penh on April 9 between H.E. Huot Hak, Minister of Tourism, and H.E. Ülkü Kocaefe, outgoing Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Türkiye to the Kingdom of Cambodia.

Both sides reiterated their determination to further enhance tourism cooperation between the two countries.

H.E. Huot Hak expressed his gratitude and high appreciation for the ambassador’s active and tireless efforts in strengthening and expanding diplomatic relations and cooperation across various sectors, particularly in tourism.

He highlighted that the launch of direct flights between Istanbul and Phnom Penh during the ambassador’s tenure marked a historic achievement, significantly contributing to enhanced cooperation in trade, tourism, culture, and people-to-people exchanges. The direct connection has also facilitated international travel, linked Cambodia more closely to global gateways, and helped promote the Kingdom’s tourism potential to Turkish citizens and the wider international community.

The Minister also reaffirmed the long-standing friendship between Cambodia and Türkiye, underscoring their shared commitment to further deepening and expanding cooperation for the mutual benefit and prosperity of both nations.

Cambodia and Türkiye established diplomatic relations in 1959, while tourism cooperation has been strengthened through a Memorandum of Understanding signed in 2018.

In 2025, nearly 11,000 Turkish tourists visited Cambodia. In the first three months of 2026, approximately 4,700 Turkish visitors were recorded, representing an increase of nearly 16 percent, reflecting a steady upward trend and the positive impact of direct flights between Istanbul and Phnom Penh and Siem Reap.

By Chea Vannak