Phnom Penh (FN), Oct. 31 – Japanese foreign minister Kamikawa Yoko held a telephone talk with Cambodian foreign minister Sok Chenda Sophea on 30 October 2023, commencing at 5:40 p.m. for approximately 25 minutes.

Both foreign ministers congratulated each other on their appointments to their respective positions. Minister Sok Chenda Sophea expressed his gratitude for Japan’s great contribution since 1992 to development of Cambodia and stated that Cambodia never forgets Japan’s assistance to Cambodia’s peace, restoration and economic development.

Taking this occassion, minister Kamikawa expressed her desire to work with minister Sok Chenda Sophea to strengthen the “Comprehensive Strategic Partnership” between Japan and Cambodia and to maintain and strengthen a free and open international order based on the rule of law. The two ministers confirmed they would work together towards strengthening the bilateral relationship.

Regarding bilateral relations, minister Kamikawa welcomed the active high-level communication between Japan and Cambodia and expressed Japan’s intention to advance security cooperation through various ways including visits by the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force to the Ream Naval Base.

In addition, in the economic field, minister Kamikawa asked Cambodia to address issues which Japanese companies operating in the country are facing in order to further attract investments. Kamikawa also expressed Japan’s desire to promote cooperation in the areas of digitalization, strengthening connectivity, and governance for the economic and social development of Cambodia. Furthermore, Kamikawa stated that in building a healthy democratic society, it is important to create an environment in which the people can express diverse opinions, and that Japan will continue to support Cambodia’s democratic development.

In response, Sok Chenda Sophea expressed his gratitude for Japan’s support for the establishment of Cambodia’s civil code and stated that he would like to strengthen the cooperation in governance. He expressed his desire to facilitate more Japanese investment to Cambodia in cooperation with Japanese stakeholders. The two ministers confirmed they would work closely to promote regional connectivity.

In terms of regional and international affairs, both ministers concurred that the two countries will continue to work together towards the Commemorative Summit for the 50 Year of ASEAN-Japan Friendship and Cooperation in December.

Lastly, Kamikawa refered to the importance of promoting Women, Peace, and Security (WPS). For his part, Sok Chenda Sophea stated that Cambodia now became one of the peacekeepers countries and there are many women who play an active role in PKO. Additionally, Sok Chenda Sophea stated that Japan and Cambodia had been cooperating in demining of Ukraine. The two ministers shared the view that the two countries will work together even more closely in various fields.
=FRESH NEWS