President Yoon Suk Yeol of South Korea and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet met in Seoul, where they officially upgraded their countries' relationship to a strategic partnership. This decision, made with confidence in the future of their bilateral partnership, reflects the significant growth in their diplomatic ties over the past few decades. President Yoon highlighted the substantial improvements in trade volume, people-to-people exchanges, and investment, emphasizing the strong bond between the two nations. The leaders also discussed plans to enhance economic development cooperation, including the potential establishment of a Special Economic Zone in Cambodia for South Korean corporations. Additionally, they agreed to increase South Korea's concessional loan contribution to Cambodia, making Cambodia the largest partner of Korea's Economic Development Cooperation Fund initiative. The two countries also explored opportunities for joint naval drills and cooperation in law enforcement to combat drug trafficking, human trafficking, cybercrimes, and scams. During the summit, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet praised South Korea's "Audacious Initiative" for achieving a denuclearized, peaceful, and prosperous Korean Peninsula, and South Korea acknowledged Cambodia's efforts to comply with UN sanctions on North Korea. Additionally, South Korea committed to initiating a new demining project in Cambodia. Meanwhile, the first lady of South Korea, Kim Keon Hee, made her first official public appearance in 153 days, joining President Yoon, Prime Minister Manet, and Cambodian first lady Pich Chanmony for an official lunch at the presidential office. This marked her return to official duties after being involved in several scandals, including an alleged violation of an antigraft law. Prime Minister Manet also brought up the case of a Cambodian boy who received heart surgery in Seoul after encountering the South Korean first lady at a medical center in Phnom Penh, describing it as an important example.