Baku: President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev received Sok Chea, the newly appointed Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of the Kingdom of Cambodia to Azerbaijan, on July 17, APA reports. The ambassador presented his credentials to the head of state, marking the beginning of a new chapter in Azerbaijan-Cambodia relations.

According to Azeri-Press News Agency, President Ilham Aliyev engaged in a conversation with Ambassador Sok Chea, where he underscored the significance Azerbaijan places on its bilateral relations with Cambodia. He highlighted the active contacts at the government and ruling party level, emphasizing the importance of expanding cooperation beyond politics to include economic and investment domains. President Aliyev described Azerbaijan and Cambodia as friendly nations, committed to mutual support.

Ambassador Sok Chea, expressing gratitude for the warm reception, conveyed greetings from His Majesty King Norodom Sihamoni of Cambodia and Prime Minister Hun Manet to President Ilham Aliyev. The President reciprocated the gesture, asking the ambassador to convey his best regards to Cambodia's King and Prime Minister.

The ambassador remarked on Cambodia's appreciation for its friendly ties with Azerbaijan, despite the geographical distance. He noted the shared positions of both nations on critical global issues such as sustainable development, international peace, and stability. Ambassador Sok Chea committed to strengthening bilateral cooperation in areas like trade, tourism, culture, and people-to-people exchanges.

Both sides acknowledged the successful cooperation between Azerbaijan and Cambodia within various international organizations. They expressed optimism that the anticipated visit of Cambodia's Prime Minister to Azerbaijan would offer a valuable opportunity to further expand bilateral relations.