(Sihanoukville): Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet reassured Japan that there is no cause for concern over Cambodia potentially withdrawing from its partnership with Japan on port development. The premier affirmed that bilateral cooperation between the two nations remains a long-term strategic partnership.

The premier spoke on Thursday (May 1) during his meeting with civil servants, staff, and workers of the Sihanoukville Autonomous Port.

Samdech Thipadei highlighted that the port’s three-phase development has involved an investment of over USD 750 million, funded through Japanese loans. He described the partnership with Japan as a key priority and a long-term strategic commitment. Under the seventh-mandate Royal Government, four core areas of cooperation with Japan have been identified, one of which is the expansion of the port in Preah Sihanouk Province — a central pillar within the broader bilateral strategic framework.

“I kindly ask our Japanese friends not to worry — please do not worry that Cambodia will cease working with Japan on port development. That is not the case. This is a long-term strategy. We have been cooperating from the very beginning, even before the port reached a capacity of one million containers. Now, we aim to expand to two or even three million — and we will do it together. Japan is our partner. Let us continue this cooperation,” the premier underscored.

Samdech Thipadei expressed his gratitude to the Government of Japan for being a steadfast partner in the development of logistics and the Sihanoukville Autonomous Port. The premier affirmed that Cambodia and Japan would continue to collaborate on many future initiatives.

“I reaffirm once again — there is no need for fear or concern that Cambodia would exclude Japan from the strategic development of the Sihanoukville Port. We are already partners, and we remain committed to each other,” the premier continued.

On the occasion, the premier stressed that the partnership between Cambodia and Japan in port development would remain strong as long as the Cambodian People’s Party (CPP) continues to lead the country. Nevertheless, he emphasised that the Japanese government is satisfied with the current partnership and wishes for Cambodia — under CPP leadership — to maintain its consistent and stable policy.

Samdech Thipadei noted that Cambodia does not consider any country an enemy. On the contrary, Cambodia views all nations as friends. Despite being a country of 17 million people, Cambodia is fully capable of engaging in diplomatic dialogue on an equal footing with any other nation.
=FRESH NEWS