Background
On 27 February 2023, the General Department of Immigration (GDI) of Cambodia, represented by Deputy Director General Long Habana on behalf of the Director General of Immigration Kiet Chantharith, attended a meeting with representatives of the Ministry of the Interior of the French Republic. The meeting was held under the chairmanship of Lam Chea, Secretary of State at the Ministry of Interior of Cambodia.
The French delegation was led by Nathalie Carlier, Internal Security Attaché at the French Embassy based in Vietnam, responsible for Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam, and included Fabrice Etienne, First Counsellor at the French Embassy in Cambodia, along with other collaborators. Cambodian participants included representatives of relevant general departments under the Ministry of Interior.
Scope of Application
The discussions focused on cooperation in the fields of security and governance between Cambodian internal security institutions, including the General Department of Immigration and other Ministry of Interior bodies, and the Ministry of the Interior of France. The cooperation is envisioned within the broader framework of friendship and partnership relations between the two states and covers responses to international and regional threats affecting internal security and public safety.
Key Provisions or Decisions
During the meeting, both sides exchanged views on strengthening joint operational cooperation in security and governance. The areas of discussion included:
- Enhancing cooperation to address international and regional threats to internal security.
- Supporting actions aimed at ensuring a high level of safety for the population.
- Improving information exchange between the Cambodian and French sides.
The French side expressed appreciation for Cambodia’s organization of the consultation meeting and for the ongoing exchange of information intended to make joint cooperation successful. The Cambodian side, represented by Secretary of State Lam Chea on behalf of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sar Kheng, thanked the French side for initiating this cooperative effort. The cooperation was described as a preliminary framework agreement that could lead to a subsequent stage of an intergovernmental agreement between the two countries.
Implications for Investors, Businesses, or Compliance
While no specific regulatory measures were announced, the meeting indicates an intention by Cambodia and France to deepen cooperation on internal security and governance. Over time, such cooperation may influence operational practices related to security, information sharing, and responses to transnational threats. Stakeholders involved in cross-border activities, mobility, and sectors sensitive to security regulations may be indirectly affected by future arrangements arising from this evolving cooperation framework.
Official Source
The information is based on an official communication from the General Department of Immigration (GDI) dated 27 February 2023.
