UK Minister Urges Peaceful Dialogue Between Cambodia and Thailand

The UK Minister for the Indo-Pacific, Rosie Winterton, has embarked on her inaugural overseas visit to Cambodia, focusing her itinerary on the provinces of Siem Reap and Oddar Meanchey. The visit highlights the UK’s longstanding commitment to humanitarian efforts in the region, particularly in relation to education and mine clearance initiatives.

Supporting Education and Humanitarian Efforts

During her visit, Minister Winterton will engage with a UK-funded educational programme aimed at assisting individuals displaced by the ongoing conflict along the Thailand-Cambodia border. This initiative is part of a broader commitment that spans over three decades, showcasing the UK’s dedication to humanitarian mine clearance operations that enhance safety and stability in the region.

Furthermore, the Minister will travel to Phnom Penh for discussions with the Cambodian government, focusing on key areas such as trade, investment, development, and human rights. These engagements reflect the UK’s ongoing support for security and long-term recovery efforts in Cambodia, reinforcing its commitment to fostering sustainable peace and prosperity.

Regional Development and Community Support

In Oddar Meanchey, Winterton will witness firsthand the collaborative efforts between UK and Cambodian organisations aimed at uplifting local communities. She will visit Kok Prasat, where UK assistance is facilitating the continuation of education for children affected by the recent conflict, allowing them to rebuild their lives in a secure environment. This visit is intended to reaffirm the UK’s unwavering support for a sustainable peace process and the full realisation of the December 2025 ceasefire agreement.

The Minister will also engage with demining experts from the UK-based charity HALO Trust and Apopo. The UK has been instrumental in supporting demining and humanitarian recovery efforts in Cambodia for over thirty years, having cleared an area equivalent to 22,400 football pitches since 2014 and enabling land to be returned to productive use. Recently, the UK announced an additional £1.6 million in funding for mine clearance and risk education, contributing to Cambodia’s ambitious goal of achieving a mine-impact-free status by 2030.

Strengthening UK-Cambodia Relations

Speaking about her visit, Minister Winterton remarked, “Cambodia sits at the heart of a region that is crucial to the UK’s security and prosperity. On my first overseas visit as Minister for the Indo-Pacific, I am witnessing the positive impact of UK support in helping communities recover from conflict and addressing the landmine threats that affect lives and livelihoods.”

In Phnom Penh, she is anticipated to meet with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet to discuss the robust partnership between the UK and Cambodia, as well as shared priorities moving forward. The discussions will pave the way for enhanced cooperation in the field of education, including the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding aimed at strengthening institutional partnerships, promoting knowledge exchange, and supporting the development of skills essential for Cambodia’s future growth.

In recent years, British educational institutions, such as De Montfort University and Teesside University, have expanded their presence in Cambodia, offering UK degrees to young Cambodians and granting them access to high-quality international education.

For further information, media representatives can reach out to: ukincambodia@fcdo.gov.uk.