Statement by Mr. Yoshihiko Noda, Prime Minister of Japan, on the Passing of His Majesty Norodom Sihanouk, King Father of Cambodia

October 15, 2012
Japanese

Upon receiving the news of the passing of His Majesty Norodom Sihanouk, King Father of Cambodia, I express my sincere condolences, on behalf of the Government and the people of Japan, to the royal family, the Government and the people of Cambodia.

His Majesty devoted his life to the independence, peace and stability of Cambodia. Particularly, in the Cambodian peace process, he played a central role for the realization of peace and national reconciliation, acting as a symbol of national unity.

His Majesty had a long-standing relationship with Japan including his 1955 visit to Japan as a state guest. He laid the foundation for a friendly relationship between our two countries that will last well into the future, as the person who most understood Japan’s contribution to the Cambodian peace process.

The passing of this unparalleled leader within the modern history of Cambodia is a tremendous loss not only for Cambodia but for the wider international community, especially Japan.

In respect for His Majesty’s achievement, I would like to offer my prayer that his soul rest in peace, and my heartfelt wish that the royal family, the Government and the people of Cambodia overcome their grief.

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Japan-Cambodia Relations