Govt welcomes Cambodian anti-terror laws

The federal government has welcomed news that the Cambodian government has passed anti-terrorism laws.

In a joint statement, Foreign Affairs Minister Alexander Downer and Attorney-General Philip Ruddock said the Australian government had provided advice to Cambodian officials on drafting the law.

"This is an important step for Cambodia and the region in the fight against terrorism," said Mr Ruddock.

"This is an important step for Cambodia and the region in the fight against terrorism," said Mr Ruddock.

"The law will provide a comprehensive legislative basis for counter-terrorism efforts in Cambodia."

Mr Downer said the law complemented the extensive counter-terrorism assistance Australia was delivering to its South-East Asian allies.

The law passed Cambodia's national assembly on June 26 and its Senate on July 10, and has to be signed by the King before coming into effect.