A Palestinian delegation, including government and private sector representatives, met with officials from the Cambodia Development Council last week. Japanese embassy
A delegation from Palestine has concluded a successful visit to Cambodia. The group examined the operation of the Kingdom’s special economic zones (SEZ), with the goal of learning how they could apply the same techniques to develop their own sustainable economic system.
The February 22 to 28 visit was supported by the Japanese government.
During their time in Cambodia, the Palestinian delegation, consisting of authority officials and representatives of the private sector, visited the Phnom Penh Special Economic Zone (PPSEZ) and exchanged views with officials from the Cambodian Development Council, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation and the Ministry of Economy and Finance, according to the Japanese Embassy.
“We are delighted with our joint efforts under the Japan-Cambodia strategic partnership to address common challenges facing the international community,” explained a statement from the Japanese embassy in Cambodia.
The statement noted that the Japanese government established the “Conference on Cooperation among East Asian Countries for Palestinian Development (CEAPAD)” in 2013, and Cambodia joined this conference in 2024. Japan also launched another initiative for Palestinian development, called the “Corridor for Peace and Prosperity”.
In 2012, the Japanese government also created a park in the Jericho area of the West Bank named the “Jericho Agro-Industrial Park” to serve as a model for sustainable economic development in Palestine. The park was developed to attract investment, promote businesses and create job opportunities in Palestine through regional cooperation.
Kin Phea, director of the International Relations Institute at the Royal Academy of Cambodia, stated that Cambodia has contributed to seeking solutions to the crisis in the Middle East, especially the Israel-Palestine conflict. He said Cambodia has always supported a two-state solution, where Palestine should become a fully recognised legal state, similar to Israel.
He emphasised that the issue in Palestine is a humanitarian crisis, which both Japan and Cambodia must address. The visit of the Palestinian delegation illustrates Cambodia's support for the Palestinian authorities and people.
“In Cambodia's foreign policy, we aspire to see a global order based on international law, where every state receives legal protection and international recognition. We do not wish to see violations, invasions or the use of force by one state against another or by one nation against another,” Phea said.
