Cambodia, S Korea develop comprehensive strategic partnership: FM

PHNOM PENH, Oct. 22 (Xinhua) -- Cambodian Foreign Minister Hor Namhong announced on Thursday that Cambodia and South Korea has developed comprehensive and strategic partnership.

Hor made the announcement after the meeting between Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen and visiting South Korea President Lee Myung-bok.

Hun Sen and Lee Myung-bak held in-depth talks focusing on strengthening the bilateral ties on the various fields as forestry, mineral, agriculture and tourism, Hor told reporters. Both countries also agreed to establish comprehensive strategic partnership from now on, Hor added.

After the meeting, the two leaders witnessed the signing of two agreements on extradition and 200 million U.S. dollars concession loan from South Korea that will implement from 2009-2012.

At the same time, Cambodia agreed to provide multiple entrance visa per year to South Korean tourists to encourage more South Korean tourists to visit here, he said, adding that both sides will sign other seven MOUs for expanding cooperation on Friday at relevant sectors.

Lee paid a two-day state visit here at the invitation of Prime Minister Hun Sen. After Cambodia, Lee will also attend the 15th ASEAN Summit set on Oct. 23-25 in Hua Hin, Thailand, that involves the ASEAN Plus Three and India, Australia and New Zealand.