HISTORICAL TIES BETWEEN CAMBODIA AND SINGAPORE

Historically, Singapore has been a time-tested friend of Cambodia. Diplomatic relations between our two countries were established on 10 August 1965 — a day after Singapore became independent, thus making the Kingdom of Cambodia one of the very first countries to recognize the independent Republic of Singapore.

The diplomatic ties were cut in 1975, but were resumed on 18 January 1992. However, during this interregnum, Singapore maintained trade relations with Cambodia. In the 1980s, Cambodia had to endure an economic embargo following the demise of the Khmer Rouge regime. The trade and economic relations with Singapore provided crucial support to Cambodia during this difficult period. The timely humanitarian assistance that was provided to Cambodia and channelled through Singapore during the 1980s allowed Cambodia to embark on rehabilitation and reconstruction activities in key economic sectors.

Singapore and Cambodia have enjoyed excellent bilateral relations, strengthened over the years through exchanges of state visits between Heads of State and government leaders of the two countries. The foundation of our close relationship was shaped by His Majesty King-Father Norodom Sihanouk and His Excellency Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew. The then Prime Minister Lee was a frequent visitor to Cambodia and was conferred a doctorate honoris Causa by the Royal University of Cambodia in December 1967 for his contributions to strengthening Cambodia-Singapore relations. Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen officially visited Singapore in 2000, while Singaporean Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong paid an official visit to Cambodia in May 2001. Mr Goh's visit resulted in: i) The promotion of Singapore foreign direct investment to Cambodia, ii) The enhancing of human resource development in Cambodia and iii) The Provision of a Tourism Development Master Plan for the Cambodian government. His Excellency Singapore President S. R. Nathan paid a state visit to Cambodia in February 2003 at the invitation of His Majesty King-Father Norodom Sihanouk. His Majesty King Norodom Sihamoni paid a state visit to Singapore in March 2006. In March 2005, Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong paid a visit to Cambodia. Frequent exchanges of visits by the leaders of Cambodia and Singapore have helped further solidify the already excellent bilateral relations between the two countries and their people.