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Türkiye and Cambodia signed a military framework agreement in Istanbul on Friday as President Recep Tayyip Erdogan called for a peaceful resolution to the border dispute between Cambodia and Thailand.
The agreement was signed at Dolmabahce Palace in the presence of Erdogan and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet, following bilateral and delegation-level talks. Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan signed on behalf of Türkiye, while Cambodian Deputy Defense Minister Prak Sovanna represented his country.
Erdogan described Cambodia as an important partner in Southeast Asia, pointing to the rapid development of bilateral ties in recent years. "We see Cambodia, with which our relations have developed rapidly particularly in recent years, as an important partner in Southeast Asia," he said.
Turkish president urged a peaceful resolution to the border dispute between Cambodia and Thailand through dialogue and in accordance with international law, as tensions persist over longstanding territorial disagreements despite ceasefire efforts.
A ceasefire signed in late 2025 halted 20 days of renewed fighting that killed at least 101 people and displaced more than 500,000. However, disagreements over territorial claims and troop positions have continued to strain relations, with both sides accusing each other of violating agreements.
"We continue to support civilians affected by the clashes," Erdogan said, adding that Türkiye had delivered assistance to more than 3,000 people in coordination with Cambodian authorities.
Erdogan also welcomed Cambodia’s participation as a founding member of the Gaza Board of Peace, expressing hope that Phnom Penh would contribute to efforts based on a two-state solution in Palestine.
The two leaders also discussed trade, investment, energy, education and culture, while continuing to pursue a $1 billion bilateral trade target agreed upon in 2018 during a visit to Türkiye by then-Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen.
"Our efforts to achieve this target are still continuing," Erdogan said, expressing hope that the Türkiye-Cambodia Business Forum held Friday would strengthen business ties.
He also welcomed Cambodia’s interest in Turkish defense products, highlighting the potential for deeper cooperation.
Türkiye supports development and cultural projects in Cambodia through the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA) and the Yunus Emre Institute, while also supporting Cambodian students through the Türkiye Scholarships program, Erdogan highlighted.
Manet praised Türkiye’s growing role in international affairs and its efforts to promote peace and stability, including in the Middle East.
"Türkiye’s proactive and constructive engagement in international efforts to promote peace and stability, including in the Middle East, is commendable," he said.
The Cambodian prime minister described his visit as a new chapter in relations between the two countries, which have maintained friendly ties and productive cooperation for more than six decades.
He also welcomed the military framework agreement as an important step toward strengthening political, defense and security cooperation.
On economic relations, Manet highlighted opportunities to expand trade, attract investment and build stronger private-sector partnerships. He said Cambodia was ready to work with Turkish businesses as a gateway to broader Asian markets through the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership.
Manet thanked TIKA for its contributions to Cambodia’s socioeconomic development, including infrastructure projects, women’s empowerment and initiatives supporting Cambodian Muslim women.
The two leaders also stressed the importance of cooperation through the United Nations, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and other international platforms.
Manet welcomed Türkiye’s status as an ASEAN dialogue partner and called for stronger cooperation to advance regional integration, connectivity and shared prosperity.
He also invited Erdogan to visit Cambodia.
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