Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet have discussed expanding bilateral cooperation, including trade, tourism, direct air links and humanitarian exchanges, during talks in Astana.

The sides held one-on-one talks at the Akorda Presidential Residence as part of Hun Manet’s official visit to Kazakhstan, according to Qazinform News Agency.

Welcoming the Cambodian prime minister, Tokayev said the visit could give fresh momentum to bilateral relations and create new opportunities for mutually beneficial cooperation.

The Kazakh president described the visit as historic, noting that no Cambodian prime minister had previously visited Kazakhstan. He also highlighted Hun Manet’s family connection to the country, recalling that his father had visited Kazakhstan in 1982.

Tokayev emphasized the importance of strengthening people-to-people ties and expanding tourism between the two countries. He noted that many Kazakh citizens were interested in visiting Cambodia and discovering its attractions, highlighting the need to explore the possibility of establishing direct air connections.

The sides also discussed expanding cooperation in the humanitarian sphere and strengthening trade and economic relations.

President Tokayev said that Kazakhstan and Cambodia possess considerable natural resources, creating additional opportunities for mutually beneficial cooperation.

Earlier, an official welcoming ceremony for Hun Manet was held at the Akorda Presidential Palace following his arrival in Kazakhstan for the official visit.