Governor-General to Strengthen NZ-Cambodia Ties.

The New Zealand Governor-General, Lieutenant General Jerry Mateparae, has made a short visit to Cambodia to promote bilateral relations between the two countries. Mateparae visited the country at the request of Cambodia’s King Norodom Sihamoni.

“The visit reflects the priority New Zealand attaches to its relations with the 10 Asean members – the government having launched its Asean regional strategy just last month,” said Tony Lynch, New Zealand’s ambassador to Thailand, Burma and Cambodia.

During his visit, which is part of a nine-day tour which includes Laos and Vietnam, Lt. Gen. Mateparae will meet with the King as well as Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen, National Assembly President Hen Samrin, and the Senate Vice President, Say Chhum.

Lt. General Mateparae’s visit marks the first visit to Cambodia by a Governor-General.

New Zealand recently played a role in the Cambodian election, with the New Zealand Embassy acting an international observer in the Siem Reap province during the 28 July election.