Croatia opens new chapter in relations with Cambodia during historic visit

Croatia is strengthen its ties with Southeast Asia, with Foreign Minister Gordan Grlić Radman making the first official visit by a Croatian foreign minister to Cambodia on 19 and 20 October 2026.

The visit coincides with the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries and focused on expanding political and economic cooperation.

During talks with Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn, Grlić Radman discussed opportunities to strengthen cooperation in trade, investment, tourism, connectivity and demining.

He said Croatia was increasingly turning its attention towards Asia following the achievement of key foreign policy objectives, describing the visit as the opening of a new chapter in relations between the two countries.

The ministers also discussed cooperation between the European Union and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), as well as the importance of defending international law and multilateralism.

Both sides highlighted the potential for closer cooperation between smaller countries based on mutual respect.

Croatia shares demining expertise

A significant part of the visit focused on Croatia’s experience in post-war reconstruction and humanitarian demining.

Grlić Radman met senior Cambodian minister Ly Thuch and took part in a Croatian-Cambodian dialogue on innovation and cooperation in demining.

Drawing on the experiences of both countries following conflict, the Croatian minister outlined how Croatia had progressed from receiving international assistance to sharing its expertise and technology with other countries, including Ukraine.

Cambodia acknowledged Croatia’s contribution to demining. Croatia announced the completion of its domestic mine-clearance process in March 2026, following decades of work to address the legacy of the 1991–1995 Homeland War.

The discussions highlighted opportunities for the two countries to exchange knowledge and explore further cooperation in this field.

Focus on justice and historical memory

The visit also included stops at Cambodia’s Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia (ECCC), established with United Nations involvement to prosecute crimes committed by the Khmer Rouge regime.

At Tuol Sleng, Grlić Radman condemned crimes committed under communist and other totalitarian regimes, stressing the importance of preserving the memory of victims and preventing similar atrocities from recurring.

At the ECCC, he emphasised the importance of prosecuting war crimes, securing justice for victims and combating impunity.

He also referred to Croatia’s experience of the peaceful reintegration of the Danube region under the United Nations Transitional Administration for Eastern Slavonia, Baranja and Western Sirmium (UNTAES).

Meetings with Cambodia’s leadership

During his two-day visit, Grlić Radman was received by Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni and met Prime Minister Hun Manet, National Assembly President Khuon Sudary and Senate President Hun Sen.

He also met members of the Croatian community living and working in Cambodia, whose activities contribute to strengthening relations between the two countries.

The visit forms part of Croatia’s wider efforts to develop international partnerships beyond Europe, with economic cooperation, regional connectivity and the exchange of expertise among the areas offering potential for closer Croatian-Cambodian relations.