AKP Phnom Penh, September 23, 2026 --

Cambodia has welcomed and highly commended a positive message from the United Kingdom regarding the upcoming signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on cooperation in combating online scams between Cambodia’s Ministry of Interior and the UK Home Office, according to H.E. Touch Sokhak, Deputy Spokesperson of the Ministry of Interior.

H.E. Touch Sokhak said the UK’s position reflected a shared commitment to combating transnational crime, particularly online scams, and strengthening bilateral law enforcement cooperation based on the principle of sovereign equality. He also expressed appreciation to Rt Hon Lord Hanson, Minister of State for the UK Home Office, and his delegation for attending the signing ceremony.

He highly valued the support of the UK Government in strengthening and expanding cooperation with Cambodia to combat online scams, noting that such cooperation would serve the common interests of the citizens of both countries and contribute to global efforts to protect public safety and security.

According to H.E. Touch Sokhak, Cambodia and the UK have maintained diplomatic relations and cooperation since 1953, with collaboration covering trade, tourism, social and humanitarian assistance, security and other areas. The two countries have also continued to strengthen cooperation through regional and international frameworks and have signed a number of MoUs, some of which require review and updating in response to evolving global challenges.

He noted that areas of cooperation currently receiving attention from the UK, including money laundering, fraud and online scams, human trafficking, and the destruction of counterfeit cigarettes and related materials, are also consistent with Cambodia’s position. These areas demonstrate that both countries recognise transnational crime, particularly online scams, as a shared crisis and a global challenge requiring international cooperation.

H.E. Touch Sokhak stressed that the fight against online scams cannot be addressed by Cambodia and the UK alone, as countries around the world are affected by transnational criminal activities and need to work together to combat them.

He said the signing of the MoU would mark an important step in strengthening cooperation and joint action between the two countries in combating online scams and enhancing law enforcement cooperation in accordance with the principles of sovereign equality.

H.E. Touch Sokhak expressed confidence that the MoU would provide a solid foundation for continuing and improving the effectiveness of law enforcement cooperation between Cambodia’s Ministry of Interior and the UK Home Office, while further strengthening the longstanding friendship and bilateral relations between the two countries for the safety and prosperity of their peoples and the wider international community.

By C. Nika