PHNOM PENH, June 21 (Xinhuanet) -- The European Commission (EC) Tuesday extended its aid worth about 65 million US dollars (54.3 million euros) to Cambodia to support its economic and social development as well as good governance.

    Cambodian Foreign Minister Hor Namhong and Fokion Fotiadis, director for Asia of the Directorate General for External Relations of the European Commission, signed the aid deal at the ceremony presided over by Prime Minister Hun Sen.

    Under the pact, the EC will offer about 35 million US dollars (29.3 million euros) to Cambodia for the implementation of the EC National Indicative Plan (NIP), which will focus on pro-poor economic development, social sector support and good governance.

    And the remaining about 30 million US dollars (25 million euros)will help Cambodia to support its long-term development activities aimed at alleviating poverty in the north-western provinces of Banteay Meanchey, Battambang and Siem Reap.

    The aid pact was signed at the end of the 3rd secession of the Cambodia-EC Joint Commission held here Tuesday. The next Joint Commission will be held in 2007 in Brussels.

    The grant aid from the EC since 1992 has totaled more than 400 million euros (about 480 million US dollars).

    During the meeting, both sides stressed the importance of strong and durable cooperation ties and Cambodia's participant in EC-ASEAN program, that will contribute to foster regional integration. Enditem