In a significant development, Cambodia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs SOK Chenda Sophea met with his Japanese counterpart, KAMIKAWA Yoko, on the sidelines of the ASEAN-Japan Commemorative Summit in Tokyo. The bilateral meeting, held on December 17, 2023, marked a strong reaffirmation of their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
The two Foreign Ministers engaged in a fruitful discussion, recalling their earlier telephone conversation on October 30, 2023. They acknowledged that the current year is crucial for Cambodia-Japan relations, as it marks the 70th anniversary of their diplomatic ties and the upgrade to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership – the highest level of cooperation between the two nations.
SOK Chenda Sophea extended his sincerest congratulations to Japan on successfully hosting the ASEAN-Japan Commemorative Summit. He also appreciated Her Excellency KAMIKAWA Yoko’s presence at the event, highlighting their shared commitment to strengthening bilateral relations in various sectors, including politics, economy, infrastructure, defense, and security.
The two ministers stressed the importance of regular Senior Officials’ Talks between the two Foreign Ministries. They welcomed the successful convening of the first such meeting in Tokyo last November and emphasized the need for future discussions to address regional and international issues of common concern, such as the situation in Myanmar, the South China Sea, the Korean peninsula, and Israel-Hamas conflicts.
Furthermore, SOK Chenda Sophea expressed his appreciation to the Japanese government and people for their significant contribution to Cambodia’s peace process and invaluable support for socio-economic development. He also looked forward to a fruitful outcome from the inter-ministerial meeting between Cambodia and Japan in early 2024, which will focus on developing country assistance policy for Cambodia over the next five years.
Both Foreign Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening cooperation within regional frameworks, including the United Nations and ASEAN-Japan. They exchanged views on regional and international issues of mutual interest, highlighting the importance of collaborative efforts in promoting peace, stability, and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific region.
In conclusion, Cambodia’s diplomatic efforts continue to strengthen its Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with Japan, a key player in regional and global affairs. This partnership is crucial for addressing shared challenges and promoting cooperation in areas such as security, economy, and development, underscoring Cambodia’s role as a responsible and engaged member of the international community.
Key Takeaways:
- Cambodia and Japan reaffirmed their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, emphasizing strengthened bilateral relations and cooperative efforts.
- The two nations reiterated their commitment to addressing regional and international issues, including security concerns in the Asia-Pacific region.
- Cambodia expressed gratitude for Japan’s support for its peace process and socio-economic development.
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