Cambodia PM Hun Sen in Kuwait

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen is in Kuwait, in his first-ever visit to the oil-rich nation. “This visit will lead to the development in the future between Cambodia and Kuwait, and between Cambodia and other countries in the Middle East,” Foreign Minister Hor Namhong told AFP and other news agencies.

Hun Sen and Kuwaiti premier Sheikh Nasser Mohammed al-Ahmed al-Sabah are expected to sign agreements on Kuwaiti aid in building irrigation systems, roads and a recently approved Cambodian hydro-power plant.

In August, Kuwait’s premier visited Cambodia and signed trade agreements as well as land-lease deals that would allow Kuwait to grow crops in Cambodia for use by Kuwaiti interests. At the time, commodity prices were surging and Kuwait and other nations were scrambling to ensure food supplies. (See: ‘Rich Countries Launch Land Grab to Ensure Food Supplies‘, New York Herald) Cambodia is also interested in Kuwait’s help with oil exploration management. Both sides are expected to ink tourism deals that would encourage flights into both countries.