Phnom Penh, April 3, 2026 — H.E. Hem Vanndy, Minister of Industry, Science, Technology & Innovation, received H.E. Milena Caridad Zaldivar Piedra, Cuban Ambassador to Cambodia, on Friday, reaffirming six decades of diplomatic friendship and exploring expanded cooperation in science, technology and innovation (STI).

The Ambassador underscored strong political will to deepen relations built on historical solidarity and people-to-people exchanges with Cambodia. As both countries prepare to commemorate 65 years of diplomatic relations, discussions centered on translating friendship into practical collaboration in industry, research, and innovation.

Minister Vanndy highlighted Cambodia’s push to diversify beyond traditional sectors into agro-processing and value-added industries, stressing the role of STI in achieving Vision 2050.

He welcomed Cuba’s globally recognized strengths in food science and biotechnology, including vaccine development, and proposed closer collaboration through researcher exchanges, joint R&D, and technology transfer.

Ambassador Milena Caridad Zaldivar Piedra expressed Cuba’s readiness to share expertise from its scientific ecosystem, including its network of research centers, and to support Cambodia’s National Council of STI through knowledge-sharing and participation in international platforms.