Press Releases
Ambassador for Mekong Cooperation HAYASHI’s Visit to the Kingdom of Thailand, the Kingdom of Cambodia and the Republic of the Philippines (Result)
From February 23 to February 27, Mr. HAYASHI Teiji, Ambassador for Mekong Cooperation, visited the Kingdom of Thailand, the Kingdom of Cambodia and the Republic of the Philippines (ASEAN Chair for 2026), as a part of Japan’s efforts to ease tensions between Cambodia and Thailand. The overview of his visits is as follows:
- Consultations with Thailand on February 24 and Cambodia on February 25
In Thailand, Ambassador HAYASHI held meetings with Gen. Natthaphon Narkphanit, Minister of Defence, Mr. Vijavat Isarabhakdi, Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs, and Mr. Narit Therdsteerasukdi, Secretary General, Office of the Borard of Investment. In Cambodia, he held meetings with H.E. General Tea Seiha, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defense, and H.E. Mrs. Eat Sophea, Acting Minister and Permanent Secretary of State, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.
During the meetings, Ambassador HAYASHI stated that the sound relations between Cambodia and Thailand is the foundation for the stability and development of the entire Mekong region, while urging once again for the steady implementation of the ceasefire agreement, maximum restraint and a peaceful dialogue, toward normalizing the relationship between the two countries. Furthermore, he explained Japan's recent cooperation and support, and concurred on further strengthening their coordination to ease tensions with the respective government.
During the visits, Ambassador HAYASHI also exchanged views with representatives of the Japanese business community and international organizations. - Consultations with the Philippines on February 27
Ambassador HAYASHI held meetings with Mr. Leo Herrera-Lim, Undersecretary for Policy, Department of Foreign Affairs, and Mr. Ignacio Briones Madriaga, Undersecretary for Strategic Assessment and Planning, Department of National Defense.
During the meetings, Ambassador HAYASHI highly commended the Philippines’s leading role in the mechanism for implementing the ceasefire agreement, including the takeover of the ASEAN Observer Team, as this year’s ASEAN Chair. He expressed that Japan stands ready to support the Philippines as Chair, as ASEAN has been collectively making efforts to improve relations between Cambodia and Thailand. Both sides concurred on continuing close cooperation. On this occasion, they also exchanged views on the other regional issues, including the situation in Myanmar.
(Reference) Japan's Support for De-escalation of Tension in the Cambodia-Thailand Border Areas
As a part of efforts to ease tensions, Japan has been providing humanitarian assistance to the citizens of both countries in the border areas affected by the conflict, as well as support for recovery from the conflict-related damage since August 2025. In addition, Japan has decided to provide assistance for rebuilding livelihoods, promoting employment and supporting self-reliance in the region through international organizations, equipment for ceasefire monitoring to the ASEAN Observer Team through OSA. Japan has also decided to support measures against transnational organized crime in the Mekong region, which is expected to contribute to stability in the border areas.