Press Releases
Japan-Cambodia Foreign Ministers’ Telephone Talk
January 11, 2022
On January 11, commencing at 4:30 p.m. for approximately 30 minutes, Mr. HAYASHI Yoshimasa, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, held a telephone talk with H.E. Mr. Prak Sokhonn, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Kingdom of Cambodia. The overview of the talk is as follows.
- At the outset, Minister Hayashi expressed his congratulations on Cambodia’s assumption of the ASEAN Chairmanship and expressed Japan’s intention to strengthen bilateral relations including promotion of defense cooperation in this year as 30th anniversary of the PKO in Cambodia. Deputy Prime Minister Prak Sokhonn expressed Cambodia’s intention to strengthen bilateral relations and to cooperate closely with Japan on regional affairs.
- The two ministers discussed bilateral cooperation in relation to measures against COVID-19 and the development of Sihanoukville Port. Minister Hayashi expressed his hope that Cambodia’s commune elections in this June and its general election next year will be held in a way that reflects the diverse voices of the Cambodian people. Deputy Prime Minister Prak Sokhonn expressed his gratitude for Japan’s support to date, including in terms of measures against COVID-19.
- The two ministers also exchanged views on regional affairs. Minister Hayashi expressed his concern on the present situation of Myanmar in which violence continues and welcomed Cambodia’s active engagement as ASEAN Chair on the situation in Myanmar, and both ministers shared the view to coordinate closely. Minister Hayashi also stated that he evaluated the progress towards the ceasefire with ethnic minorities and humanitarian assistance during the recent visit of Prime Minister Hun Sen to Myanmar. In addition, the two ministers concurred on working together in ASEAN-related meetings to address the important issues in the region, such as South China Sea and North Korea. Especially, The two ministers discussed on the situation of North Korea, including the missile launch on January 5 and 11 and confirmed to continue the coordination between the two countries to address the North Korean issues including the abductions issue.