In a statement released on 07 Jul 2024, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation announced that Japanese Foreign Minister KAMIKAWA Yoko paid an official visit to Cambodia from 5 to 6 July 2024. The visit marked an important milestone in strengthening bilateral relations between the two nations.
During her visit, Her Excellency KAMIKAWA engaged in separate courtesy calls on Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo HUN Sen, President of the Senate, and Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei HUN Manet, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia. The two ministers had a thorough exchange of views on how to further enhance the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between Cambodia and Japan, with a focus on expanding cooperation in key sectors beneficial for both countries.
The two sides agreed to promote frequent communications and exchanges of visits at all levels to build a strong foundation for cooperation in all areas between the two countries. They also agreed to continue holding regular Senior Officials’ Talks at the vice Foreign Minister level, with a second round scheduled to be held this year.
Her Excellency KAMIKAWA expressed her strong encouragement for Japanese investors to further invest in Cambodia, citing robust economic ties through investments by Japanese companies. The two ministers also highly valued the progress of close cooperation in the field of defense and security, commending the outcomes of the First Cambodia-Japan Senior Officials’ Dialogue at the Vice Minister of Defense level in Siem Reap on 1 March this year.
Furthermore, Her Excellency KAMIKAWA informed that the Japanese government would provide patrol boats to the Cambodian National Police. The two ministers also agreed to expand cooperation between the Cambodian Maritime Police and the Japan Coast Guard.
During the meeting, His Excellency the Deputy Prime Minister expressed deep appreciation for the Government and people of Japan for their significant contribution to Cambodia’s peace process in the past and for providing valuable assistance to the Kingdom’s socio-economic rehabilitation and development. Her Excellency the Foreign minister reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to contributing to the development of Cambodia.
On cultural cooperation, His Excellency the Deputy Prime Minister thanked Japan as co-chair of ICC-Angkor for helping to preserve the Kingdom’s cultural heritage. The Japanese side emphasized the importance of continuing cooperation with Cambodia in this area.
The visit also covered several key areas, including social infrastructure development, maritime connectivity, and cooperation under multilateral frameworks. Both sides underscored the importance of cooperation in the digital field, a priority under the Royal Government’s Pentagonal Strategy-Phase I.
The two sides discussed cooperation under multilateral frameworks and exchanged views on regional and international issues of common concern.
After their productive meeting, His Excellency the Deputy Prime Minister and Her Excellency KAMIKAWA signed exchanges of notes and related documents on grant aid for human resource development scholarships and a yen loan for the National Road No. 5 Improvement Project.
The official visit by Japanese Foreign Minister KAMIKAWA marked an important step in strengthening bilateral relations between Cambodia and Japan, with a focus on expanding cooperation in key sectors beneficial for both countries.
Key Takeaways:
- Her Excellency KAMIKAWA Yoko’s official visit to Cambodia from 5 to 6 July 2024 marked an important milestone in strengthening bilateral relations between the two nations.
- The two sides agreed to promote frequent communications and exchanges of visits at all levels to build a strong foundation for cooperation in all areas between the two countries.
- Her Excellency KAMIKAWA expressed her strong encouragement for Japanese investors to further invest in Cambodia, citing robust economic ties through investments by Japanese companies.
- The two ministers also highly valued the progress of close cooperation in the field of defense and security.