(Phnom Penh): Samdech Techo Hun Sen, Cambodian Senate President, received a courtesy call by Nagashima Akihisa, Member of the House of Representatives and Special Advisor to the Prime Minister of Japan, on Tuesday (Jul. 1) at the Senate.

During the meeting, Samdech Techo expressed Cambodia’s firm stance on resolving the Cambodia-Thailand border dispute through peaceful means, based on a win-win strategy and international legal mechanisms.

Chea Thyrith, Spokesperson for the Senate, told reporters that Samdech Techo welcomed Nagashima’s visit, seeing it as a significant step toward enhancing Cambodia-Japan relations. Nagashima expressed appreciation for the warm welcome and recalled the close and fruitful cooperation between Cambodia and Japan, especially following the recent official visit of Prime Minister Hun Manet to Japan.

The Japanese side also thanked Cambodia for allowing Japanese naval vessels to dock at Ream Naval Base, which strengthened defence cooperation. Furthermore, Japan reiterated its support for Cambodia’s demining efforts, in which Japan has contributed both technical expertise and equipment.

Addressing the border issue, Samdech Techo explained the recent tensions with Thailand, which escalated following the fatal shooting of a Cambodian soldier by Thai troops on May 28 and Thailand’s unilateral border closure on June 7. Samdech Techo clarified that while Cambodia currently does not seek third-party mediation, it urges resolution through peaceful dialogue and international legal frameworks, specifically the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

In the meeting, Samdech Techo also asked the Japanese counterpart to inform its prime minister of Cambodia’s position and, if possible, to encourage Thailand to pursue legal resolution through the ICJ.

At the same time, Samdech Techo Hun Sen outlined two key points:

1. Thailand must reopen the border crossings unilaterally closed, without requiring negotiations with Cambodia.

2. Japan could support efforts to guide Thailand toward resolving the issue in accordance with international law.

On the occasion, Samdech Techo reaffirmed Cambodia’s commitment to peace, stating the country does not wish for conflict. However, if provoked or encroached upon, Cambodia will defend itself. In closing, the special advisor to the prime minister of Japan pledged to convey Cambodia’s message to the Japanese prime minister and expressed respect for Cambodia’s peaceful and lawful stance.
=FRESH NEWS