President Lee Jae-myung, who is visiting Malaysia to attend the South Korea-Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit, held talks with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet in Kuala Lumpur on the 27th local time. The two leaders agreed to operate a "Korea task force" to respond to the recent surge in scam crimes targeting Koreans in Cambodia.
At the meeting, Prime Minister Manet said, "There was an unfortunate incident in which a Korean college student died recently. I offer my deepest condolences for this incident."
He added, "The Cambodian police authorities did not stand by; they immediately investigated and arrested the perpetrator," and emphasized, "We are working with South Korea to track those involved in scams."
Prime Minister Manet also said, "This is not a problem that a single country can solve. I do not want to blame others, but countries in the region need to work together."
He explained, "Cambodia places a very high priority on eradicating transnational crime, and we are engaging with resident communities in Cambodia, including Koreans, and listening to their concerns."
President Lee said, "In the Republic of Korea, the entire public is very sensitive right now because of scam crimes," and added, "I sincerely appreciate the special consideration the Cambodian authorities have shown for the people of the Republic of Korea in responding to these crimes."
The two leaders agreed to launch a "Korea task force" to respond to crimes targeting Koreans.
Kang Yu-jung, Presidential Office Spokesperson, said in a local briefing in Kuala Lumpur, "The two countries agreed to operate a task force (TF) on crimes targeting Koreans starting in November, and decided to name it the 'Korea task force.'"
Through the Korea task force, the investigative authorities of both countries will jointly conduct crackdowns and investigations. However, Kang, the spokesperson, explained that the scale of the South Korean police dispatch and the specific operating method would be finalized later.
Prime Minister Manet said, "Cambodia's public security has improved significantly by responding strongly to transnational crimes, including intensive crackdowns on scams." In response, President Lee replied to the effect that "on the occasion of the improvement in public security and the launch of the Korea task force, I will instruct a review of lowering the travel advisory for some areas, including Phnom Penh."
Meanwhile, the two leaders also discussed broad ways to strengthen bilateral cooperation, including economic and people-to-people exchanges.
President Lee said, "Cambodia and the Republic of Korea have many similar historical experiences," and promised, "Although South Korea is taking a step ahead, we will work to make South Korea a new model for Cambodia and to contribute to Cambodia's development."
He added, "I hope the two countries will establish a new stage of cooperation different from now," and "I hope for mutual visits between the leaders in the future and for more dialogue."
Prime Minister Manet responded, "South Korea ranks very high in terms of investors and tourists in Cambodia, and people-to-people exchanges have developed significantly, with many Cambodian workers working in South Korea," and added, "I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the government of the Republic of Korea for providing substantial support for Cambodia's national development."
He continued, "The two countries, in particular, maintain a very good relationship in the fields of defense and security," and said, "South Korean warships have called at Cambodia, and the two countries' militaries have conducted joint exercises on multiple occasions; I hope to increase such military exchanges as well."