Phnom Penh (FN), Mar. 15 – Cambodian prime minister Hun Sen expressed his satisfaction with the excellent Cambodia-Japan peacekeeping operations and urged to further strengthen the cooperation of the two countries.

The premier spoke during a courtesy called paid by Japanese commander of the 1st Indo-Pacific Mine Action Division Noguchi Yasushi on Tuesday at Sokha Hotel in Sihanoukville.

Noguchi Yasushi thanked premier Hun Sen for promoting good ties with Japan, in particular during Cambodian army commander lieutenant general Hun Manet's recent visit to Japan. He also pledged to maintain peace and security in the region.

In response, premier Hun Sen welcomed the visit of Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Forces (JMSDF) to Sihanoukville as this year marks the 30th anniversary of Japan's dispatch of Self-Defense Forces personnel to Cambodia as the first case of SDF participation in UN peacekeeping operations.

Cambodia warmly welcomed the docking of JS Uraga (MST-463), the lead ship of the Uraga-class mine countermeasure vessels; and JS Hirado (MSO-305), the second ship of the Awaji-class minesweepers of the JMSDF.
=FRESH NEWS