On 13 March 2026, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Prak Sokhonn met approximately 200 members of the Cambodian community in New Zealand during an official visit.
The gathering included Cambodian community members from Auckland, Hamilton, Wellington, and Hawke’s Bay. According to the ministry, the visit marked the first official visit to New Zealand by a Cambodian foreign minister since 2019.
During the meeting, Prak Sokhonn conveyed greetings from Cambodia’s senior leadership and stated that the welfare of Cambodian citizens, both inside and outside the country, remains a priority. The ministry said the visit reflected the close and long-standing relationship between Cambodia and New Zealand across sectors including the economy, trade, education, and agriculture.
He also noted the increase in the number of Cambodian students studying in New Zealand under New Zealand government scholarships, including Manaaki scholarships and other skills development exchange programs.
In remarks relating to national sovereignty, Prak Sokhonn reaffirmed Cambodia’s commitment to protecting its sovereignty and territorial integrity through diplomatic, legal, political, public opinion, and military means, in accordance with international law and existing treaties and agreements.
Official Source
Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Facebook post published on 13 March 2026.
