These days FIDE President Kirsan Ilymzhinov is visiting the countries of Southeastern Asia.

On 29 November 2010 Kirsan Ilyumzhinov had a working visit to Cambodia, Phnom Penh. He met there with the representatives of Cambodia Government. In particular, during the meeting with Mr. Bun Sok, General Secretary of the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports of Cambodia they discussed the questions on chess development in Cambodia and implementation of the FIDE program “Chess in schools”. It was noted that nowadays there is a chess boom in the countries of Southeastern Asia and that is why the Government of Cambodia intends to assist chess development in their country. Besides, Mr. Bun Sok showed his sincere gratitude to Kirsan Ilyumzhinov for the help given by the International Chess Federation to the comprehensive schools of Cambodia – learner’s guides and chess sets.

Right away after this meeting Kirsan Ilyumzhinov spoke to Mr. So Khun, Minister of Telecommunications of Cambodia. The subject of the conversation was the development of cooperation of the Government of Cambodia and FIDE in questions connected with the chess development by means of up-to-date telecommunication technologies.

Also Kirsan Ilyumzhinov talked to Mr. Ho Sithi, the Head of Prime Minister Office of Cambodia. Mr. Ho Sithi heartily thanked Kirsan Ilyumzhinov on behalf of the Prime Minister of Cambodia Mr. Hun Sen for the  FIDE President's help (100.000 USD) to the victims of the tragedy which happened in Phnom Penh on 22 November 2010. Mr. Ho Sithi pointed out that the Government of Cambodia highly appreciates this kind assistance of FIDE President. The Minister added that Mr. Hun Sen, Prime Minister of Cambodia sent the official thank you letter to the FIDE President.

Next week in the framework of the business trip to the countries of Southeastern Asia FIDE President is going to visit in Malaysia, Philippines and South Korea. Kirsan Ilyumzhinov will discuss with the representatives of the Government of the above mentioned countries the questions of cooperation with FIDE and of realization the international economic projects.