On 2026-10-16 Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan met with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet in Istanbul. The encounter took place at the Dolmabahçe Office and covered a broad agenda that included trade, investment, defense industry, energy, education and culture. Erdoğan pointed to the potential for further cooperation and expressed support for Cambodian students through Turkey’s Bursları scholarship programme. He also voiced hope for the settlement of border disputes and for assistance to civilians affected by any incidents.
During the same meeting Erdoğan announced that a military framework agreement had been signed between Turkey and Cambodia. He described Cambodia as a key partner in Southeast Asia and stressed that the agreement touches on defense, energy, education and culture. The president reiterated that the Turkey Scholarships programme would continue to assist Cambodian students wishing to study in Turkey.
A joint press conference followed the talks. Hun Manet praised Turkey’s proactive and constructive role in international efforts to establish peace and stability, including in the Middle East. Erdoğan, speaking alongside his Cambodian counterpart, said that Turkey would continue to develop its relations with Cambodia and viewed the country as an important partner in the Southeast Asian region.
These three areas were presented as focal points for future joint projects, signalling Turkey’s intention to support Cambodia’s growth through tangible initiatives.
Erdogan made it clear that the military framework agreement with Cambodia had been finalized. He framed the pact as a step toward strengthening bilateral security cooperation and underscored its relevance for both nations’ strategic interests.
In the realm of development cooperation, Erdogan highlighted infrastructure development, women’s empowerment and Cambodian [the brief ends the phrase here]. These three areas were presented as focal points for future joint projects, signalling Turkey’s intention to support Cambodia’s growth through tangible initiatives.
Erdogan recalled a goal set back in 2018 when, as prime minister, he had met then‑Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen. At that time the two leaders had agreed to work toward raising bilateral trade to one billion dollars.
It appears alongside the trade‑billion‑dollar goal, suggesting that eight years have elapsed since the 2018 meeting or since some related initiative began. The figure is presented as a factual marker of the time span involved in the Turkey‑Cambodia relationship.
Hun Manet commended Turkey’s active participation in international peace‑and‑stability efforts, stating that such engagement deserves appreciation. His remarks underscored Cambodia’s recognition of Turkey’s broader diplomatic contributions beyond the bilateral agenda.
Erdogan characterised Cambodia as an important partner for Turkey in Southeast Asia. He expressed confidence that cooperation would continue to expand, framing the relationship as a long‑term partnership that encompasses security, economic and cultural dimensions.