Cambodia and Turkiye have signed a draft memorandum of understanding (MoU) aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation in the transport sector via international transit corridors (specifically, the Middle Corridor and TRACECA).
The improved cooperation is expected to help Cambodia attract more foreign direct investment and presents an opportunity for Cambodia to become a logistics hub in the ASEAN region for connectivity with Europe.
The MoU was signed between Leng Thunyuthea, secretary of state at the Ministry of Public Works and Transport, and Abdulkadir Uraloğlu, Turkish Minister of Transport and Infrastructure.
The signing took place during the Global Transport Connectivity Forum, held from June 27–29, in Istanbul, Turkiye, under the theme “Seamless Connectivity, Limitless Possibilities”.
According to the transport ministry, the forum was officially inaugurated by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan of Turkiye and attended by senior officials from around 60 countries, as well as leaders from international institutions, researchers and representatives from the private sector — totalling approximately 4,000 participants.
The forum addressed current challenges in connectivity, transport, supply chains and logistics between Asia and Europe, which are impacted by geopolitical competition, climate change and ongoing conflicts in Europe and the Middle East.
Forum participants committed to unlocking the full potential of the Middle Corridor and TRACECA transit with the goal of turning them into pathways for peace, partnership and progress — complementing and potentially relieving the overburdened East-West routes currently used for transport and investment.
During a panel titled “The Evolving Geometry of the Middle Corridor: New Gateways, New Possibilities,” Leng Thunyuthea highlighted the strategic importance of the Middle Corridor in connecting the ASEAN region — particularly Cambodia — with Europe.
He emphasised ASEAN’s economic and investment potential, stability and development, especially in Cambodia, as well as Cambodia’s national policies and strategies for enhancing ASEAN connectivity. These focus on sustainability, environmental responsibility and resilience in infrastructure connectivity.
He also noted the progress made by the Kingdom’s transportation sector in recent years.
“The purpose of the MoU is to strengthen bilateral cooperation in transport between the two countries via international corridors (the Middle Corridor and TRACECA). This will enhance Cambodia’s strategic role in connecting to these corridors and integrating into the Asia-Europe supply chain, thereby attracting more investment and paving the way for Cambodia to become a logistics hub in the ASEAN region connecting to Europe,” said a transport ministry statement.
Trade, tourism and transport relations between the two nations have shown notable positive developments, with Turkish Airlines planning to launch flights from Istanbul to Phnom Penh, starting December 10.
“The new route will expand Turkish Airlines’ network in East Asia to 20 cities and 21 airports. It will offer greater convenience for Turkish Airlines passengers travelling to a key city in the region. Moreover, Turkish Airlines will continue to promote its position as the largest connectivity network provider in Europe and the only European airline flying to Phnom Penh,” the airline explained, in a March statement.
According to the airline, the flights to Phnom Penh will include a stopover in Bangkok, Thailand. There will be three flights per week.
