Phnom Penh (FN), Sep. 27 – Japanese ambassador to Cambodian Atsushi Ueno said the Cambodia-Japan Comprehensive Strategic Partnership is not only a relationship in a bilateral context. Nor is it a relationship where one side does something to, or for, the other, but, rather, it is a relationship where both countries work together, as partners, to address common regional and international challenges.

Japanese ambassador Atsushi Ueno spoke at a Round-table Discussion on "Cambodia-Japan Relations on 26 September 2023 at Sun & Moon Hotel.

“The Comprehensive Strategic Partnership is not only a relationship between Japan and Cambodia in a bilateral context. Nor is it a relationship where one side does something to, or for, the other, but, rather, it is a relationship where both countries work together, as partners, to address common regional and international challenges,” the Japanese ambassador underscored.

The Japanese ambassador also highlighted Cambodia-Japan bilateral relations, cooperation in security, agriculture, education, health, tourism, conservation, and Cambodia's historic national parks, especially the comprehensive strategic partnership with Cambodia, which has just recently been upgraded.

This relationship is symbolized by the joint Japanese and Cambodian effort, which took place in January and July of this year, to train Ukrainian demining personnel in the use of landmine detection equipment. This initiative was highly appreciated by the international community. Cambodia now provides demining assistance, not only to Ukraine, but also to Iraq, Colombia, and other countries.

The ambassador hoped Cambodia and Japan have the potential to cooperate in many areas of peacebuilding for regional and international interests. In addition, he announced his support for Cambodia's development, both economically and socially.

Atsushi also affirmed that through the comprehensive strategic partnership, Japan will help improve the living standard of Cambodian people.

The Japanese ambassador also recalled that during the bilateral meeting between Cambodian prime minister Hun Manet and Japanese prime minister Fumio Kishida at the recent ASEAN Summit in Jakarta, the two leaders pledged to promote closer Cambodian-Japanese cooperation in a mutually supportive partnership.

Lastly, he pointed out that in December 2023, Japan will host the ASEAN-Japan Meeting, which marks the 50th anniversary of Japan-ASEAN friendship and the 70th anniversary of Cambodia-Japan diplomatic relations. The Embassy of Japan in Cambodia will do its utmost to make the official visit of Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet to Japan successful.

It should be noted that Samdech Techo Hun Sen and Japanese prime minister Fumio Kishida, on 12 November 2022, agreed to elevate bilateral relations from a "Strategic Partner" to a "Comprehensive Strategic Partnership."
=FRESH NEWS