Ambassador of Turkmenistan Muhametniyaz Mashalov announced plans to introduce direct flights between Turkmenistan and Cambodia in order to strengthen tourist ties between the two countries.

This statement was made during the Ambassador's meeting with Tourism Minister Tong Khon in Phnom Penh on August 14.

Mashalov expressed Turkmenistan's desire to become the first Central Asian country to establish direct flights with the Kingdom.

"We want to deepen the tourism partnership between our countries in order to increase mutual tourist exchange," he said.

"Congratulations to the Government of Cambodia for its efforts to revive and develop tourism and the constant growth in the number of tourists. Recognizing the prospects of this sector, Turkmenistan wants to strengthen ties with Cambodia in order to increase tourist exchange not only between us, but also with third countries," the ambassador was quoted by The Phnom Penh Post.

In addition, the diplomat stressed Turkmenistan's desire to open a direct flight to Siem Reap province, one of the main tourist destinations of the kingdom.

This will allow travelers from Turkmenistan and neighboring countries to explore Angkor, an internationally recognized heritage site, and other famous places throughout Cambodia.

Mashalov suggested organizing tourist events both in Cambodia and Turkmenistan. According to him, such events will highlight the tourist attractions of each country and serve to attract tour operators.

Tong Khon supported this proposal and called for the drafting of a memorandum of understanding between Cambodia and Turkmenistan, which would become a guide for joint plans and actions in the field of tourism.

The Central Asian countries currently do not have direct flights to Cambodia. Meanwhile, the kingdom, according to the forecasts of the Ministry of Tourism for this year, will receive about five million tourists from all over the world. According to the Ministry, Cambodia has received more than three million foreign visitors in the first seven months of this year.

— The establishment of direct flights with Turkmenistan will support Cambodia's economic and tourism sectors. They could improve the transportation of goods, attract potential investors to Cambodia and stimulate bilateral enterprises in the fields of trade, tourism and education. This is a promising development for Cambodia," commented the Institute of International Relations of the Royal Academy of Cambodia.

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