DAP: The breaking news in Cambodia

PHNOM PENH, Sept. 5 (Xinhua) -- The Government of Sweden on Wednesday signed up to provide 400 million Swedish Kronor (59.4 million U.S. dollars) to Cambodia for causes of democratic development, human rights, education, and climate change for two years, said a Cambodian senior official.

The agreement was signed between Cambodian deputy Prime Minister Keat Chhon, Minister of Finance, and Ambassador of Sweden to Cambodia Anne Hoglund.

Speaking after the signing ceremony, Keat Chhon said the two- year grant aid would make a significant contribution to promoting sustainable development and accelerating poverty reduction in Cambodia.

He, on behalf of the Government of Cambodia, expressed sincere appreciation and gratitude to the Government of Sweden for the assistance.

"Cambodia considers Sweden as a highly valued development partner and we will make every best effort to ensure that the aid be utilized effectively in an efficient and transparent manner," he said.

Hoglund said that Sweden is committed to strengthening bilateral ties with Cambodia and hoped that the assistance would help strengthen democracy, human resources development and environment protection in the country.