Phnom Penh (FN), Jul. 15 – Yamaguchi Natsuo, Chief Representative of Japan’s Komeito Party and a member of the House of Councillors in the National Diet of Japan, acknowledged that Cambodia is an important example and witness to the value of peace, which has brought development to the world.

Yamaguchi Natsuo paid a courtesy call on Cambodian President of the National Assembly Khuon Sudary on Monday morning (Jul. 15) at the National Assembly.

Yamaguchi Natsuo congratulated the National Assembly president on being elected as President of the National Assembly for the seventh mandate, the first Cambodian woman in history to hold this important role. He praised Cambodia's progress and the leadership of Samdech Techo Hun Sen in ensuring complete peace and development for the nation and its people. He also recalled his participation in the 1993 Cambodian elections under the framework of the United Nations and his support for mine action in Cambodia.

For her part, the National Assembly president was pleased and warmly welcomed the presence of the visiting delegation in Cambodia. She underlined that the visit will significantly contribute to enhancing cooperation between the two countries, particularly in supporting Cambodia's development. She also expressed the deep and sincere feelings between the people of Cambodia and Japan, which have steadily strengthened the relationship between the National Assembly and the Royal Government, culminating in a comprehensive strategic partnership.

Khuon Sudary also underlined that honesty, transparency, respect for the law, accountability, and virtue are deeply ingrained in the hearts of the people of both Cambodia and Japan. She noted that the presence of Japanese investment in Cambodia will play an important role in attracting investors from other countries as well.

Kuon Sudary thanked Japan for its participation in seeking peace and supporting Cambodia's development. She further underscored Japan's assistance within humanitarian, social, and economic frameworks. Since 2017, Cambodia has sent more than 20,000 trainees, 10,000 females, to Japan. From 1992 to November 2022, the Royal Government of Japan provided 1,631 scholarships to Cambodian students.

She also expressed gratitude to the Royal Government of Japan for its ongoing support for demining efforts in Cambodia, aiming to achieve a mine-free Cambodia by 2025 or 2030. She highlighted the positive relations and cooperation between the two parliaments, recalling her visit to Japan in 1998 to study the work of the National Assembly.

Cambodia's current development is inseparable from Japanese aid. The president of the National Assembly hopes that the Cambodian-Japanese friendship will continue to strengthen under all circumstances, contributing to maintaining peace, stability, and prosperity for people around the world. Based on this peace, Cambodia is the first country in ASEAN to support Japan's Free and Open Indo-Pacific Strategy.
=FRESH NEWS