The evening breeze in Istanbul brushes over the Dolmabachche Palace, with Erdogan standing shoulder to shoulder with Homana. In front of the camera, the relationship between the two countries is defined as an important partner in Southeast Asia, and a comprehensive interaction from economy and trade to humanity, from Gaza to the border, is quietly reshaping the South South cooperation map of the Eurasian continent.

Bilateral relations accelerate development

On October 18, 2026, President Erdogan of Türkiye said that Cambodia is an important partner of Türkiye in Southeast Asia, and bilateral relations between the two countries have enjoyed good growth momentum in recent years. Erdogan and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Ma Nai stated at a joint press conference that bilateral relations between Turkey and Cambodia have made rapid progress in recent years, and Turkey regards Cambodia as an important partner in Southeast Asia.

After completing bilateral talks and delegation consultations at the Presidential Palace in Istanbul, the two heads of state attended the press conference together. Erdogan mentioned that during Hun Sen's visit to Turkey as Prime Minister in 2018, both sides set a development target of 1 billion US dollars in bilateral trade volume. He stated that the two countries are still making continuous efforts to achieve this trade goal. During the meeting, both sides comprehensively reviewed the current status of bilateral exchanges.

Exploring the potential for cooperation in multiple fields

Erdogan looks forward to the Turkey Cambodia Business Forum held on that day, which will further bring economic and trade exchanges between the two countries closer. He welcomed Cambodia's intention to purchase Türkiye's defense products, and the two sides also discussed cooperation in trade, investment, energy, culture and education.

Erdogan believes that there is ample room for cooperation on the above-mentioned track and looks forward to the continued deepening of the partnership between the two countries. At the same time, he pointed out that Türkiye Cooperation and Coordination Bureau and Yunus Emre College have launched projects in Cambodia, which have consolidated the foundation of non-governmental exchanges. He also introduced that the Türkiye Scholarship Program continued to provide financial support for Cambodian students.

Discussing Regional Peace Issues Together

Speaking of the situation in Palestine, Erdogan affirmed Cambodia's participation in Gaza peace affairs. Cambodia, as a founding member of the Gaza Peace Council, has participated in the peace process, which is highly recognized by Turkey. We look forward to Cambodia's assistance in Palestinian affairs through the two-state solution. Keywords: Turkey Cambodia summit, cultural exchange, border dispute

Erdogan proposed that the border dispute between Cambodia and Thailand be properly resolved through peaceful means of dialogue and consultation in accordance with international law. He said that Türkiye has continued to provide assistance to civilians in conflict areas, and relevant Turkish agencies have cooperated with Cambodia to assist more than 3000 trapped people. Turkish humanitarian assistance will continue, and relevant cooperation is in line with the the Belt and Road Initiative.Editor/Gong Ziwei