Cambodia: Direct flight with Indonesia a boon for relations: PM

• Feb 15, 2019

Prime Minister Hun Sen yesterday said the launch of the first direct flight between Cambodia and Indonesia will spur growth in tourism, trade and investment between the two Asean member states.

Indonesia and Brunei are the only Asean members that lack a direct air link with the Kingdom, but Indonesian airline Citilink recently announced its intention to fly directly to Cambodia.

Speaking to Indonesian Minister for Human Development and Cultural Affairs Paun Maharani in Phnom Penh, Prime Minister Hun Sen highlighted the significance of the upcoming flight.

“Indonesia should look to expand cooperation with Cambodia. We must focus on enhancing trade, tourism, investment and cultural exchanges to bring our peoples closer,” the premier said.

“A direct flight between the two countries is very important to achieve this relationship.”

Ms Maharani noted the good relations between the countries, pointing out that on Feb 13 they celebrated the 60th anniversary of official ties.

Cambodia and Indonesia have lacked a direct air connection since the beginning of the Cambodia Civil War in 1968.

The first flight between the nations in more than 50 years was announced last week during a meeting between the Indonesian Ambassador to Cambodia and the Cambodian Minister of Tourism.

Indonesian low-cost carrier Citilink will launch a direct flight between Jakarta and Phnom Penh in the second half of the year, according to Sudirman Haseng, the Indonesian Ambassador.

Cambodian Tourism Minister Thong Khon welcomed the news.

“A direct flight between the two countries will attract more Indonesian tourists to Cambodia and vice versa,” he said.

Source: https://www.khmertimeskh.com/50578201/direct-flight-with-indonesia-a-boon-for-relations-pm/