Full diplomatic relations between the Kingdom of Cambodia and the Federal Republic of Germany have been in place since 1967 when the representation was converted to an Embassy, however relations were suspended between 1969 and 1993. During this period, there were diplomatic relations with the German Democratic Republic (from 1969 to 1975 and from 1979 to reunification).

Among European countries, Germany is one of Cambodia’s most important trading partners with the country importing mainly textiles, shoes and bicycles from Cambodia. German exports are mainly products in the fields of machinery, chemicals, electronics and vehicles. The German business community in Cambodia has formed the group “German Business Cambodia” within the European chamber of commerce, EUROCham.

An investment promotion and protection agreement between Germany and Cambodia entered into force in 2002, thus paving the way for German investment.

Germany actively supports Cambodia in its endeavours to graduate to the status of a lower middle-income country in 2029. The cornerstone of bilateral relations is the extensive governmental and non-governmental development cooperation in line with the Team Europe approach. The key topics are sustainable economic development, training and employment; climate and energy, Just Transition; and health and social security. German development cooperation is increasingly focusing on closer cooperation with the private sector and on improvements to the investment climate.

Other projects focus on promoting good governance and improving public services. Furthermore, Germany supports the work of civil-society organisations, in particular in the fields of health, education, social change and climate.

Germany also supports humanitarian de-mining in the country. Landmines and unexploded ordnance from the civil war years still constitute a hindrance to economic development.

German cultural policy in Cambodia focuses on supporting the preservation of the country’s cultural heritage and bringing German culture to Cambodia through the work of the Cambodian-German Cultural Association (KDKG) and the Meta House. The Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, which is investigating the Khmer Rouge years, receives German support.