Cambodia, Japan to Further Foster Bilateral Relations and Cooperation
Phnom Penh, October 31, 2023 --
Cambodia is committed to further strengthening its bilateral relations and cooperation with Japan, while the latter reiterated its continued support for Cambodia's long-term development.
The commitment was emphasised on Oct. 30 during a telephone conversation between H.E. SOK Chenda Sophea, Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, and H.E. Ms. KAMIKAWA Yoko, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, according to a press release of the Cambodian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation issued yesterday evening.
In their first official exchange since their respective appointment as foreign ministers, they commended each other for the significant contribution to strengthening Cambodia-Japan relations, particularly in the vital domains of economy and legal affairs during their previous portfolios.
The two sides hailed the remarkable progress in Cambodia-Japan relations, which was elevated to Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, as the two countries are celebrating the 70th anniversary of the diplomatic relations this year.
The two Ministers noted with satisfaction the growing cooperation across various sectors, particularly in economic realms. Notable examples include the expansion of AEON Malls and the forthcoming inauguration of Toyota Assembly Plant in Cambodia next year. Both sides reiterated their joint commitment to further strengthening and expanding wide-ranging areas of mutually beneficial cooperation, including politics, defence, trade, investment, good governance, law, and development cooperation.
H.E. Deputy Prime Minister extended his profound appreciation to the Government and people of Japan for their significant contribution to the peace process and socio-economic development in Cambodia. H.E. Minister KAMIKAWA reaffirmed the Japanese government's steadfast commitment to continuous support for Cambodia's long-term development.
The Japanese government looks forward to welcoming Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei HUN Manet, Prime Minister of Cambodia, to the Commemorative Summit for the 50th Year of ASEAN-Japan Friendship and Cooperation to be held in Tokyo from Dec. 16 to 18, 2023, and the bilateral summit between Samdech Thipadei and H.E. KISHIDA Fumio, Prime Minister of Japan.
The two sides also exchanged views on regional and international developments, including ASEAN-Japan relations, peacekeeping operations (PKO) and demining training cooperation, as well as the deteriorating situation in Gaza. H.E. KAMIKAWA extended profound condolences on the tragic loss of a Cambodian student.
