By Dr. Kin Phea, Director General of the International Relations Institute of Cambodia, Royal Academy of Cambodia

May 13, 2025, marks the 69^th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Cambodia and Russia, a longstanding partnership rooted in mutual respect, strategic alignment, and enduring historical ties. Established on May 13, 1956, between Cambodia and the former Soviet Union, this bilateral relationship has traversed various historical eras, adapting to shifting domestic and international contexts while steadily strengthening in depth and scope.

In the early years, the Soviet Union demonstrated strong support for Cambodia's independence, neutrality, and sovereign development. Soviet leaders praised King Norodom Sihanouk's efforts to preserve Cambodia’s autonomy amidst Cold War rivalries. They supported Cambodia’s accession to the United Nations and signed critical trade, cultural, and scientific agreements in 1957. The Soviet Union’s condemnation of the 1970 coup that deposed King Sihanouk reflected Moscow’s principled stance and commitment to Cambodia’s legitimate leadership.

Relations faced a difficult period in the 1970s. After the 1970 coup led by General Lon Nol, the Soviet Union found itself in a diplomatic dilemma, simultaneously hosting embassies representing both the Sihanouk-led government-in-exile and the Khmer Republic. Additionally, geopolitical tensions between the Soviet Union and China during this period further complicated Moscow’s approach to Southeast Asia, including its engagement with Cambodia.

Following the fall of the Khmer Rouge regime in 1979, Cambodia re-established strong diplomatic and developmental ties with the Soviet Union. From 1980 through the end of the decade, the Soviet Union played a crucial role in helping rebuild Cambodia’s war-torn economy and infrastructure. Assistance flowed into energy, agriculture, transportation, healthcare, civil service training, and military affairs. A particularly enduring legacy of this era is the educational exchange program that saw around 8,000 Cambodians study in the Soviet Union. Many of these graduates now hold important positions in government, academia, business, and professional sectors across Cambodia.

The dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991 marked another turning point in Cambodia-Russia relations. Although the Russian Federation was promptly recognised as the successor state, Moscow’s attention temporarily shifted inward as it faced profound political and economic transitions. During this period, bilateral ties slowed, though Russia continued to play a constructive role in Cambodia’s peace process. Notably, Russia supported the 1991 Paris Peace Agreements and the implementation of the United Nations Transitional Authority in Cambodia (UNTAC), which helped restore peace and political stability.

Since the re-establishment of Cambodia’s constitutional monarchy in 1993, bilateral relations with Russia have gradually expanded. Political trust and cooperation have deepened, supported by shared perspectives on sovereignty, non-interference, and a multipolar international order. Cambodia and Russia regularly collaborate in international fora such as the United Nations and ASEAN-related mechanisms. Russia has consistently supported ASEAN centrality and values its growing engagement with Southeast Asia, where Cambodia has emerged as a trusted and supportive partner.

High-level exchanges between Cambodia and Russia have provided further momentum to the relationship. Prime Minister Hun Sen’s visit to Sochi in 2016 for the Russia-ASEAN Summit and his meeting with President Vladimir Putin highlighted a renewed commitment to advancing the bilateral agenda. In recent years, Cambodian and Russian officials have continued to engage through parliamentary delegations, ministerial visits, and intergovernmental dialogues aimed at expanding cooperation in key areas.

Trade between Cambodia and Russia remains modest, largely due to geographic distance and limited commercial infrastructure. According to Cambodia’s Customs Department, bilateral trade typically ranges between USD 70–100 million annually. Cambodian exports include garments, rubber, and agricultural goods, while imports from Russia consist of fertilisers, machinery, and petroleum products. Both countries have expressed interest in enhancing economic ties, particularly in energy, infrastructure, and investment. However, challenges such as logistical constraints, limited banking links, and low market awareness persist. Strengthening institutional cooperation and promoting business-to-business engagement will be key to realising the untapped potential in Cambodia-Russia trade relations.

Educational and cultural exchanges remain a cornerstone of Cambodia-Russia relations. Russia continues to provide annual scholarships for Cambodian students, contributing to human resource development and professional training. Many of Cambodia’s top civil servants, engineers, doctors, and educators are alumni of Russian and Soviet institutions, reflecting a deep and lasting bond between the peoples of both nations. Cultural cooperation has also been revived in recent years, with events, exhibitions, and joint programs promoting mutual understanding and appreciation.

Defence and technical cooperation, a strong feature of Cold War-era engagement, has also re-emerged in recent dialogues. Although still limited in scale, Russia has expressed readiness to provide military training, support strategic planning, and share technical expertise with Cambodia. Such cooperation reflects the growing trust between the two sides and their shared interest in regional peace and security.

As both countries look ahead, there is a strong mutual interest in further deepening and diversifying this relationship. Cambodia recognises Russia as a global power whose engagement in Southeast Asia contributes to regional stability and strategic balance. Russia, in turn, views Cambodia as a reliable friend with an important role in ASEAN and regional diplomacy. In a time of increasing geopolitical uncertainty, Cambodia and Russia are united by a vision of a more just, multipolar international order based on dialogue, inclusivity, and respect for international law.

Over nearly seven decades, Cambodia-Russia relations have evolved into a partnership marked by resilience, mutual trust, and pragmatic cooperation. From the solidarity of the Cold War to today’s multi-dimensional collaboration, the relationship has adapted to changing times while preserving its core values. As Cambodia and Russia commemorate 69 years of diplomatic relations, the foundation has never been stronger for greater achievements in political dialogue, economic development, cultural engagement, and global diplomacy.

RAC Media | Department of Public Affair