AKP - Agent Kampuchea Press

via CAAI

AKP, Phnom Penh, January 17, 2011

Cambodian Senate’s Second Vice President H.E. Tep Ngorn (right) was conferred a Honorary Doctorate Degree in Political Science from Woosuk University of the Republic of Korea in a ceremony held in Phnom Penh on Jan. 14.

Photo: Chim Nary.

14th Meeting of ASEAN Tourism Ministers

Phnom Penh, January 17, 2011 AKP – The 14th Meeting of ASEAN Tourism Ministers was held here today at the Peace Palace under the chairmanship of Cambodian Tourism Minister H.E. Thong Khon.

Tourism delegations from the ten ASEAN member countries as well as those from the ASEAN-Japan Centre and ASEAN-Korean Centre attended the meeting.

The theme for the ASEAN Tourism Forum 2011 “ASEAN-A World of Wonders and Diversity” is very appropriate as ASEAN endowed with great potential, the richness and diversity of tourism resources would make up unique and interesting features for tourists, said H.E. Keat Chhon in his opening remarks.

“There is certainly a need for ASEAN to be attuned to the realities of the situation that the world has started recovering from the global economic downturn; we need to sustain ASEAN’s fame as the fastest growing tourism destination in the world,” he said.

Therefore, he added, we must reaffirm our commitments for sustained ASEAN tourism cooperation; we must strive our best for the travel facilitation and connectivity for intra-ASEAN and international travels; and our important work now is the finalization and adoption of the ASEAN Tourism Strategic Plan 2011-2015, and to further enhance and ensure the successful implementation of work programmes and activities so that tourism can continuously contribute not only to fast track ASEAN integration but also to elevate living standard of citizens in ASEAN countries. –AKP

By SOKMOM Nimul

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PM To Pay Visit to Bangladesh Soon

Phnom Penh, January 17, 2011 AKP – Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia, will pay an official visit to Bangladesh in the near future.

The spokesman for the Cambodian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation told reporters here last Friday upon the meeting between Foreign Secretary of State H.E. Long Visalo and newly-appointed Bangladeshi Ambassador to Cambodia H.E. Kazi Imitiaz Hossain.

During the visit, both sides will sign some documents related to the development and the cooperation between Cambodia and Bangladesh, the spokesman added.

Following on the same day, the Bangkok-based ambassador of Bangladesh also held a talk with leaders of the Cambodian news agency AKP (Agence Kampuchea Presse). The talk focused on the strengthening of the relationship between the two countries. –AKP

By CHEA Vannak

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Statement of Cambodian Foreign Ministry over Seven Thai Intruders

Phnom Penh, January 17, 2011 AKP – The Spokesman of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation has issued a statement regarding the issue of the seven Thai intruders.

The full statement dated Jan. 14 reads as follows:

“On 29 December 2010, seven Thai nationals, including a Member of Thai Parliament, illegally crossed the border and went deep inside Cambodian territory. This group of Thai nationals was arrested and handed over to the Cambodian Court for legal action in accordance with the immigration law of Cambodia.

On 13 January 2011, the Cambodian Court decided to release on bail two Thai culprits, Mr. Panich Vikitceth and Ms. Naruemol Chitwaratana on health ground. The Cambodian Court is still considering the case of the other five Thai culprits.

The Court of Cambodia is proceeding on this case in accordance with Cambodia’s immigration law in taking consideration of the current good relations between Cambodia and Thailand, without any animosity towards the Thai people.” –AKP

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Cambodia Hosts 30th ASEAN Tourism Forum

Phnom Penh, January 17, 2011 AKP – Discussion on the drafted 2011-2015 strategy to make the Southeast Asian region a more welcoming place for tourists across the world is a key agenda in the 30th ASEAN Tourism Forum hosted by Cambodia.

Taking place from Jan. 15 to 21, the ASEAN Tourism Forum gives floor to more than 200 senior tourism officials from the 10 ASEAN member countries and other concerned counterparts.

“We have to work more to ensure quality human resource development and to better transportation within ASEAN to boost tourism in the region,” said Cambodian Tourism Minister H.E. Thong Khon in his opening address.

The Tourism minister also encouraged a consideration on the emerging tourists from China, Japan, Korea, India and Russia when preparing the five-year regional tourism strategy.

For 2010, ASEAN absorbed approximately 60 million tourists, 2.5 million of whom coming to Cambodia – making 16 percent increase in the country’s tourism sector compared to the previous year, according to H.E. Tith Chantha, a general director at the Ministry of Tourism.

The seven-day forum under the theme of “ASEAN-A World of Wonders and Diversity” also entails special sessions between ASEAN member countries and India, China, Japan, South Korea and Russia, and GMS member countries.

Cambodia has hosted twice the forum of this kind. The first Cambodia-hosted ASEAN Tourism Forum took place in 2003. –AKP

By MOM Chan Dara Soleil

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Workshop on “Life Lesson for Youth” Held

Phnom Penh, January 17, 2011 AKP – A workshop on “Life Lesson for Youth” was held here on Jan. 15 at Chaktomuk Conference Hall under the presidency of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance H.E. Keat Chhon.

Over 1,000 high-ranking officials and students who were born in Kratie province attended the workshop organized by the Kratie Student Association.

According to H.E. Ngy Tayi, secretary of state for the Ministry of Economy and Finance and president of the Kratie Student Association, said the association was established in 2000 with the main purpose of being a friendship bridge for Kratie’s students, both old and new generations, on education, living and job.

It is also aimed at alleviating the difficulties the students face when they come to continue their studies in Phnom Penh, he added.

For his part, Deputy Prime Minister H.E. Keat Chhon welcomed H.E. Ngy Tayi’s initiative to create this association, which he said helps strengthen the culture of sharing.

On the occasion, H.E. Keat Chhon also shared with the participants his own and Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen’s experiences during childhood and youthhood, and encouraged the youth to join the Cambodian Red Cross Youth Movement and the Cambodian National Scouts. –AKP

By LIM Nary

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Cambodia Grants Royal Award to South Korean

Phnom Penh, January 17, 2011 AKP – Dr. Ra Jong-Yil, rector of the Woosuk University of the Republic of Korea has been granted a royal award by Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni in recognition of his commitment and active contribution to Cambodia’s development.

Cambodian Second Vice President of the Senate, H.E. Tep Ngorn officially gave the award to Dr. Ra Jong-Yil last Friday at the Senate office.

Let alone his well-rounded academic background, Dr. Ra Jong-Yil has played remarkable role in the restoration and development of post-war South Korea – the contribution well recognized by his government and fellow South Koreans.

His development passion and experiences have inspired him to restlessly invest his time, resource and professionalism in fighting poverty in Cambodia, especially among poor people living in Prey Thmey community of Siem Reap province.

His contribution takes forms of free dental care service provision, school building and decoration, well construction and other assistance for poor students and families. –AKP

By MOM Chan Dara Soleil