German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier is scheduled to make an official visit to Cambodia, the country’s first senior official to do so, as part of his Indo-Pacific trip to boost political and economic ties.

Steinmeier’s Office said in a press release that the president once again underlines Germany's goal of diversifying the political and economic relations of the republic. A business delegation will accompany Steinmeier on the trip from February 13 to 15, the release said.

It added that he will hold talks with the political leadership and representatives of civil society, among other activities. The president will also visit a memorial to commemorate the victims of the Khmer Rouge's reign of terror.

Daniel Schmücking, the Country Director of KAS Cambodia, said that the official visit is high-level and is a positive sign for the future development of Cambodian-German relations.

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“It is also an acknowledgement to Cambodia for its success in the chairmanship of ASEAN in 2022. This is the first time that a German president visits Cambodia, thus highlighting its interests in the region,” Schmücking told Kiripost.

“Germany is looking to deepen and strengthen its relationship with Cambodia, following Germany’s policy guidelines for the Indo-Pacific region which were introduced in 2020. I am convinced this visit will enhance bilateral cooperation,” he added.

Steinmeier will depart for Malaysia on February 15, where he will visit Penang, an important location for the Malaysian economy and German industry of semiconductor manufacturer Infineon and medical technology.

In Kuala Lumpur, Steinmeier will hold political talks with King Abdullah Shah and Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, followed by a business roundtable with German and Malaysian entrepreneurs and an expert discussion on current challenges of global security and economic policy.

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Steinmeier will also head to the state of Sarawak in East Malaysia, where he will visit Sarawak Biodiversity Center to learn about threats and protective measures to preserve regional and global biodiversity.