Press Releases
Visit of Ambassador for Mekong Cooperation SUZUKI Hideo to Malaysia, the Kingdom of Cambodia, and the Kingdom of Thailand
From August 25 to 29, Mr. SUZUKI Hideo, Ambassador for Mekong Cooperation, visited Malaysia (ASEAN Chair for 2025), Cambodia and Thailand as part of efforts to ease tensions between Cambodia and Thailand. The summary of his visits is as follows:
1. Consultations with Malysia (on August 26)
Ambassador SUZUKI held meetings with Raja Dato’ Nushirwan bin Zainal Abidin, Director General of National Security Council and Mr. Mohd Yani bin Daud, Deputy Secretary General of Ministry of Defence.
During the meetings, Ambassador SUZUKI emphasized that Japan highly commends Malaysia’s leading role as ASEAN Chair in achieving the ceasefire agreement between Cambodia and Thailand and in arranging the mechanism for implementing the ceasefire, including the establishment of the ASEAN Observer Team. Ambassador SUZUKI also expressed Japan’s intention to closely cooperate with Malaysia toward de-escalation of tensions, including by ensuring steady implementation of the ceasefire agreement between Cambodia and Thailand. The Malaysian side appreciated Japan’s efforts and expressed its intention to strengthen cooperation with Japan.
2. Consultations with Cambodia (on August 27) and Thailand (on August 28)
In Cambodia, Ambassador SUZUKI held meetings with H.E. Mr. Prak Sokhonn, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, H.E. General Tea Seiha, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defense, and H.E. Mr. LAM Chea, Minister in Charge of the State Secretariat of Border Affairs. In Thailand, he held meetings with Gen. Natthaphon Narkphanit, Deputy Minister of Defence, Dr. Theerarat Samrejvanich, Deputy Minister of Interior, Mrs. Sirilak Niyom, Deputy Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Ms. Saratsanun Unnopporn, Chairperson of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, and Dr. Poj Aramwattananont, Chairman of the Thai Chamber of Commerce.
During the meetings, Ambassador SUZUKI encouraged Cambodia and Thailand to work for easing tensions between the two countries, including through steady implementation of the ceasefire agreement, emphasizing that a sound relationship between Cambodia and Thailand is extremely important for peace, stability and connectivity in the region. He also expressed Japan’s intention to continue its diplomatic efforts and every cooperation possible. Ambassador SUZUKI listened to the respective positions of Cambodia and Thailand, and concurred with either country to strengthen cooperation toward normalizing the relationship between the two countries.
In Thailand, Ambassador SUZUKI also exchanged views with representatives of local Japanese companies regarding the impact on business activities.