国际英语资讯:Cambodia, Timor-Leste vow to enhance bilateral ties

PHNOM PENH, June 3 -- Cambodia and Timor-Leste vowed on Monday to enhance bilateral relations in trade, tourism and education, a Cambodian spokesman said.

The commitment was made during a meeting here between Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn and Timor-Leste's Foreign Minister Dionisio da Costa Babo Soares, said Ket Sophann, spokesman of the Foreign Affairs Ministry.

The spokesman said trade volume between the two countries was relatively small and the two ministers agreed to encourage the chambers of commerce of the two countries to work together to promote this sector.

The two countries also planned to sign a Memorandum of Understanding on tourism cooperation, Sophann said, adding that for education, Cambodia would provide 10 scholarships to Timor-Leste students in October.

During the meeting, Soares sought Cambodia's support for Timor-Leste's application for a membership in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the spokesman said.

Timor-Leste announced its intention to become the ASEAN's 11th member in 2011.

"For Cambodia's stance, as Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen has said, Cambodia supports Timor-Leste's candidacy for ASEAN membership," Sophann said. "However, because ASEAN needs a consensus, Timor-Leste has to seek support from other ASEAN countries."