Foreign minister Sok Chenda Sophea shakes hands with his Japanese counterpart Yoko Kamikawa on December 17. MFAIC
In a reaffirmation of their commitment, Cambodia and Japan are set to enhance bilateral relations and cooperation across various sectors. An inter-ministerial meeting at the Council for the Development of Cambodia (CDC) is scheduled for the coming year, consolidating their multifaceted collaboration in politics, defence and economics.
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This commitment was highlighted during a meeting between Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Sok Chenda Sophea and his Japanese counterpart Kamikawa Yoko on December 17.
In a December 18 press release, the Cambodian foreign ministry noted the significance of 2023, marking the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations. Both ministers expressed their dedication to strengthening their “comprehensive strategic partnership” and upholding a free and open international order based on the rule of law.
“The ministers reiterated their dedication to enhancing and broadening bilateral ties and cooperation between the two nations in areas such as politics, economy, infrastructure, defence, demining, peacekeeping operations, people-to-people exchanges, human resources development, digital advancement and cybersecurity,” the ministry said.
The parties applauded the successful convening of the inaugural talks between senior officials from both foreign ministries in Tokyo in November.
They stressed the importance of regularly hosting such meetings.
Chenda Sophea extended his gratitude to the government and people of Japan for their substantial contributions to Cambodia’s peace process and support for the Kingdom’s socio-economic development.
In terms of development cooperation, both ministers anticipate positive outcomes of an upcoming meeting between Cambodia and Japan. This meeting, to be coordinated by the CDC in Phnom Penh in early 2024, aims to endorse the draft country assistance policy for Cambodia for the 2024-28 period.
Yang Peou, secretary-general of the Royal Academy of Cambodia, said that following the Paris Peace Agreement in 1991, Japan played a crucial role in supporting the Kingdom’s quest for peace until the nation achieved comprehensive peace. Additionally, Japan has provided invaluable assistance for Cambodia’s development.
He further noted that Japan deployed its troops to maintain peace after the UN Transitional Authority in Cambodia (UNTAC) administered the first general election in 1993.
“This was an instance where Japan, bound by the UN Charter’s restrictions on stationing troops for international intervention, dispatched its troops to Cambodia to maintain peace,” he said.
He added that diplomatic relations between the two countries have consistently remained amicable. Both nations have employed diplomatic strategies focused on dialogue and cooperation. Regardless of political dynamics, Japan has maintained a positive political stance toward Cambodia.
The foreign ministers agreed to enhance cooperation in regional and global frameworks, encompassing the UN and ASEAN-Japan. They also shared perspectives on mutual concerns in regional and international matters, including Myanmar, the South and East China seas, the Korean Peninsula and the Israel-Hamas conflict.
