NZ and Cambodia Strengthen Ties as Winston Peters Hosts Deputy PM Prak Sokhonn

New Zealand has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening relations with Cambodia, as Foreign Minister Winston Peters welcomed Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Prak Sokhonn for a high-level visit.

The visit marks the first time since 2019 that a Cambodian minister of this level has travelled to New Zealand, signalling renewed momentum in diplomatic, development and strategic cooperation between the two countries.

Renewed Diplomatic Engagement in the Indo-Pacific

Peters described Cambodia as an important and reliable partner for New Zealand in the Indo-Pacific region, highlighting the long-standing collaboration between the two countries in development initiatives, regional diplomacy and educational exchange.

"Cambodia is a steadfast and trusted partner of New Zealand in the Indo-Pacific region," Peters said.

"We collaborate on development, work together in regional and multilateral forums, and there are close links between our people in areas such as development and education."

The visit comes shortly after Peters travelled to Cambodia in November, underscoring what both governments describe as a shared commitment to expanding bilateral engagement.

"Deputy Prime Minister Prak's visit to New Zealand closely follows our visit to Cambodia in November, demonstrating our mutual commitment to the relationship," Peters said.

New Funding for Landmine Clearance

During their discussions in Auckland, Peters announced NZ$7.5 million in additional funding to support landmine clearance and related humanitarian efforts in Cambodia.

The funding will contribute to programs focused on:

• clearing unexploded landmines and ordnance• reducing the risk of landmine accidents in affected communities• improving access to assistance for victims of explosive remnants of war

Cambodia remains one of the countries most affected by landmines due to decades of conflict during the late 20th century. Millions of unexploded devices were left across the country, particularly in rural areas, posing ongoing risks to communities and agricultural development.

New Zealand has been a long-term supporter of mine clearance initiatives in Cambodia, working alongside international organisations and local authorities to reduce casualties and reclaim land for safe use.

Strategic Talks on Regional Security

The meeting between the two foreign ministers also included discussions on regional security challenges and geopolitical developments in the Indo-Pacific.

Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to upholding the rules-based international system, which underpins regional stability, trade and diplomatic cooperation.

Officials said the talks also focused on strengthening collaboration in regional and multilateral forums, including organisations involved in security, economic development and regional cooperation.

Expanding Partnership Between the Two Nations

The renewed diplomatic engagement reflects a broader effort by New Zealand to deepen partnerships across Southeast Asia and the wider Indo-Pacific.

Cambodia and New Zealand have maintained cooperation across a range of areas including development assistance, education partnerships, governance support and humanitarian initiatives.

With high-level exchanges resuming and new funding commitments announced, officials say the visit represents another step in strengthening a relationship that has grown steadily over recent decades.