Phnom Penh (FN), Mar. 15 – Cambodian defense minister Tea Banh said that Cambodia will always remember the sacrifices of two Japanese officials who laid down their lives for Cambodia 30 years ago.

The minister addressed at the welcoming ceremony of Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Forces (JMSDF) to Sihanoukville, Cambodia on Tuesday.

The Japanese officials were Atsuhiti Nakata and Haruyuki Takata. Atsuhiti Nakata was killed on 8 April 1993 in Kampong Thom province, and Haruyuki Takata was killed on 4 May 1993 in Banteay Meanchey province.

"Even though 30 years have passed and Cambodia has developed in all areas, the Royal Government, the armed forces and the people of Cambodia will always remember and appreciate the participation of the Japanese peacekeepers who was sent to Cambodia for the first time" the minister underlined.

On the occasion, minister Tea Banh also expressed his gratitude to all countries who have made great contributions to kingdom’s peace building through sending peacekeeping forces.
=FRESH NEWS