Slovak President Ivan Gašparovič paid an official visit to the Kingdom of Cambodia from 7 to 9 September 2010.

When meeting the King of Cambodia Norodom Sihamoni, he discussed the possibilities to intensify mutual relations. “I am convinced that your first-ever visit to the Kingdom of Cambodia will contribute to fostering friendship between our nations,” King Norodom Sihamoni said during their meeting. The ruler of Cambodia thanked Slovakia for the development and humanitarian aid which the people of this Asian country have been able to receive through various projects for several years. Ivan Gašparovič is “pleased that our relations can develop in a friendly atmosphere, which is also due to His Majesty’s close relationship with Slovakia.” In his younger days, the King of Cambodia lived and studied in Czechoslovakia for 13 years and speaks fluent Czech. To this day he has kept his passion for the Slovak and Czech culture and art.

The King praised Slovakia’s economic achievements, noting that they represented a great potential for mutual economic cooperation. “Your Slovak economic and social achievements serve as an example to us and we will be glad to be able to cooperate with you,” Norodom Sihamoni noted. Slovakia is interested in strengthening economic relations in the machinery industry, water management, chemical and pharmaceutical industry as well as tourism.

During his official visit to Cambodia, Ivan Gašparovič visited an asylum home and clinic for HIV-infected children established by the Trnava University and the Health Care and Social Work University of Saint Elisabeth in Bratislava. In Phnom Penh, medical aid for children is also provided by the “House of Hope” centre operated by Slovak medical workers since 2003.

During his visit to the Kingdom of Cambodia, the Slovak President spoke with all top state officials in Phnom Penh. Following the reception by the King, Ivan Gašparovič held bilateral talks with the President of the Senate of the Kingdom of Cambodia Samdech Akka Moha Thamma Pothisal Chea Sim, Speaker of the National Assembly Samdech Akka Moha Ponhea Chakrei Heng Samrin and Prime Minister Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Hun Sen. With all of the top officials, Ivan Gašparovič discussed in particular the effort to bolster our good political cooperation with economic cooperation and trade exchange.