Cambodia's new foreign minister takes office

Prak Sokhonn, Cambodia's newly-appointed foreign minister, took office on Tuesday, vowing to deepen relations and cooperation with friendly countries.

"Our diplomatic work should be more active in order to promote Cambodian products and culture and to attract more tourists," he said during a power transfer ceremony, which was presided over by Prime Minister Hun Sen.

"We also need to improve the ways of communication and talks with foreign embassies in order to increase mutual understanding and to deepen friendly relations and cooperation," said the 61-year-old official.

Sokhonn, who is a former advisor to Hun Sen and an ex-telecom minister, also vowed to continue protecting the interests of the nation and people.

He succeeded long-time foreign minister Hor Namhong, who required for retirement.

Namhong is still holding his position as a deputy prime minister.

The country's parliament on Monday approved eight ministers and 14 secretaries of state to be appointed in the government's mid-term cabinet reshuffle. Enditem