Cambodian PM leaves on 5-day visit to Azerbaijan, Belarus

[geovalin]

PHNOM PENH, April 20 (Xinhua) -- Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen left Sunday morning on a five-day visit to Azerbaijan and Belarus in order to promote bilateral ties and cooperation between Cambodia and the two countries, a senior official said. "It is the first time that the prime minister makes visits to former Soviet Unioncountries,"Sry Thamarong, minister attached to Prime Minister Hun Sen, told reporters at Phnom Penh International Airport ahead of the premier's departure. "The visits will enhance bilateral relations and cooperation between Cambodia and the two countries."

The premier was accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister and Cabinet Minister Sok An, Commerce Minister Sun Chanthol, Central Bank Governor Chea Chanto and other government members as well as a group of business people led by Kith Meng, president of the Chamber of Commerce.

According to Sry Thamarong, on his way to Azerbaijan, Hun Sen will stop in Urumqi City of China's farwest Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region on Sunday evening, where he will be greeted and attend a dinner reception by Zhang Chunxian, secretary of Xinjiang Regional Committee of the Communist Party of China.

Hun Sen will arrive in Azerbaijan on Monday for a two-day visit, during which he will hold a bilateral talk with his counterpart Artur Rasi-zade, and the two countries will sign a Memorandum of Understanding on the Establishment of Bilateral Consultations. "The premier will visit an oil refinery," he said, adding that there will also be a business forum, which will be attended by business people and commerce officials of the two countries in order to explore business and investment opportunities.

After arriving in Belarus on Wednesday, Hun Sen will hold talks with his counterpart Mikhai Myasnikovich.

The two prime ministers will witness the signing of nine documents on bilateral cooperation in the sectors of economics, trade, investment, banking and finance, military techniques, health, industry, mines, energy and agriculture.

The prime minister will visit an automotive manufacturing plant and attend a business forum, Thamarong said.

http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/world/2014-04/20/c_133276035.htm