Cambodia and Cuba are exploring opportunities to deepen bilateral cooperation, with agriculture and healthcare emerging as potential areas for expanded collaboration between the two countries.
The discussions took place during a meeting between Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Maha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet and Cuban Ambassador to Cambodia Milena Caridad Zaldivar Piedra at the Peace Palace in Phnom Penh on September 23.
The meeting focused on the longstanding relationship between Cambodia and Cuba and opportunities to broaden cooperation across several sectors, including agriculture, healthcare, education, culture and tourism.
Cuba reaffirms commitment to stronger ties
During the meeting, Ambassador Milena Caridad Zaldivar Piedra spoke positively about the longstanding cooperation between Cambodia and Cuba across various fields.
She described Cambodia as a good friend of Cuba and reaffirmed her commitment to strengthening and expanding bilateral cooperation.
The ambassador also expressed an interest in making cooperation between the two countries closer and deeper.
Hun Manet highlights historic Cambodia-Cuba relations
Prime Minister Hun Manet highlighted the historical relationship between Cambodia and Cuba, particularly during Cambodia's difficult period following the liberation from the Khmer Rouge regime.
He said the friendly relations between the two countries have continued into the present and are being further strengthened and expanded.
The Cambodian Prime Minister expressed optimism that bilateral cooperation could expand into additional areas with potential, particularly agriculture and healthcare.
Cooperation discussed across multiple sectors
Beyond agriculture and healthcare, the two sides exchanged views on cooperation in several other areas.
These included:
- Education
- Agriculture
- Healthcare
- Culture
- Tourism
- Mutual support at international forums
The meeting therefore covered both practical sectors and broader diplomatic cooperation.
Hun Manet encouraged the Cuban Ambassador to continue working with relevant Cambodian ministries and institutions to identify opportunities for expanding bilateral cooperation.
Agriculture and healthcare emerge as potential priorities
Agriculture and healthcare stand out from the meeting because the Cambodian Prime Minister specifically expressed optimism about expanding cooperation in these areas.
However, the meeting report did not announce a new bilateral agricultural project, healthcare investment, funding package, trade agreement or specific implementation timeline.
The discussion therefore represents an exploration of potential cooperation rather than the announcement of a new project.
Existing cooperation provides a foundation
The latest discussion comes after other Cambodia-Cuba cooperation initiatives in areas such as education, agriculture and tourism-related human resource development.
In June 2026, the Royal Academy of Cambodia signed a memorandum of understanding with Cuba's Enrique José Varona University of Pedagogical Sciences and the University of Camagüey Ignacio Agramonte Loynaz. The agreement included academic exchanges, research cooperation, agricultural collaboration and tourism human resource development.
This provides an existing institutional basis for the broader cooperation now being discussed by the Cambodian government and Cuban Embassy.
Angkor Times Analysis
The latest Cambodia-Cuba discussion indicates an effort to translate longstanding diplomatic relations into broader sectoral cooperation.
The most immediate areas identified are agriculture and healthcare, both of which could involve institutional, technical and human-resource cooperation. The meeting also included education, culture and tourism, suggesting that the relationship is being considered across several areas rather than through a single economic initiative.
For Cambodia, expanding cooperation in agriculture could potentially involve knowledge exchange and institutional collaboration, while healthcare cooperation could build on the countries' existing diplomatic relationship. However, the latest meeting did not specify particular programmes, investment amounts, technology transfers or commercial projects.
The education and tourism dimensions are also relevant. Cambodia and Cuban institutions have already established cooperation covering academic exchanges, agricultural collaboration and tourism human resource development.
The next step will therefore depend on discussions between relevant ministries and institutions, as encouraged by Prime Minister Hun Manet. At this stage, the key development is the identification of potential areas for deeper cooperation rather than a confirmed new bilateral programme.
Key Facts
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Countries | Cambodia and Cuba |
| Cambodian leader | Prime Minister Hun Manet |
| Cuban representative | Ambassador Milena Caridad Zaldivar Piedra |
| Meeting location | Peace Palace, Phnom Penh |
| Meeting date | September 23, 2026 |
| Main potential areas | Agriculture and healthcare |
| Other areas discussed | Education, culture, tourism and international forums |
| Next step | Engagement with relevant ministries and institutions |
| New project announced | Not specified in the meeting report |
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Cambodia and Cuba discuss?
The two sides discussed opportunities to expand bilateral cooperation, particularly in agriculture and healthcare, as well as education, culture, tourism and cooperation at international forums.
Who met to discuss the cooperation?
Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet met Cuban Ambassador to Cambodia Milena Caridad Zaldivar Piedra at the Peace Palace in Phnom Penh on September 23, 2026.
Did Cambodia and Cuba announce a new agricultural project?
No specific new agricultural project was announced in the meeting report. Agriculture was identified as an area with potential for expanded cooperation.
Did the meeting announce a new healthcare investment?
No specific healthcare investment, funding amount or project was announced. Healthcare was identified as one of the potential areas for deeper bilateral cooperation.
What other areas are Cambodia and Cuba discussing?
The meeting also covered education, culture, tourism and mutual support at international forums.
What happens next?
Prime Minister Hun Manet encouraged the Cuban Ambassador to continue engaging with relevant Cambodian ministries and institutions to explore opportunities for expanding cooperation.