Japan-Cambodia Relations
Courtesy Call on Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia by Foreign Minister HAYASHI Yoshimasa
On August 6, commencing at 9:50 a.m. for approximately 1 hour, Mr. HAYASHI Yoshimasa, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, visiting the Kingdom of Cambodia to attend the Japan-ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting, paid a courtesy call on Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia. The overview of the meeting is as follows.
1. Introduction
Minister Hayashi expressed his gratitude for the condolences received from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Cambodia and the Cambodian people on the passing of former Japanese Prime Minister ABE Shinzo. He expressed his willingness to strengthen bilateral relations which is at the best level ever toward the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Cambodia next year. In response, Prime Minister Hun Sen expressed his condolences once again on the passing of former Japanese Prime Minister Abe.
2. Bilateral relations
- （1）Critical infrastructure
Minister Hayashi stated that Japan will cooperate to make the Sihanoukville Port operate as a hub port for Cambodia and the region, and also expressed his pleasure in signing the Exchange of Notes for the New Container Terminal Expansion Project. In response, Prime Minister Hun Sen expressed his gratitude to Japan's support for the development of the port, and stated that he was willing to cooperate as a whole Cambodian government with Japan to make it the hub port of the region and also strongly hoped for more facilitation in investment from Japanese companies. - （2）Security cooperation
Minister Hayashi welcomed this year's mutual high-level visits by defense officials, the implementation of the capacity building projects for PKO, and the commencement of negotiations for the TOR between the Royal Cambodian Army and the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force. He stated that he would like to promote continuous visits to Ream base, including port calls, by the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF). In response, Prime Minister Hun Sen stated that Cambodia appreciates and values security cooperation with Japan and would like to further advance this cooperation, and would welcome the next port call to Cambodia by JMSDF. - （3）Democracy
Minister Hayashi stated that Japan has supported Cambodia's democratic development. He expressed his hope that the general election in Cambodia next July will be conducted in a manner that reflects the diverse voices of the Cambodian people.
3. Regional and International Situations
Minister Hayashi congratulated the success of the ASEAN-related Foreign Ministers’ Meeting. The two Ministers also concurred to continue to work closely for the success of the 50th anniversary of Japan-ASEAN Friendship and Cooperation next year. Minister Hayashi seriously deplored the executions of the Myanmar citizens by the Myanmar military. He stated that he would do his utmost to support the efforts of ASEAN, including Cambodia as ASEAN Chair. In response, Prime Minister Hun Sen expressed his gratitude for Japan's unwavering support and his willingness to work with Japan to resolve the situation. Minister Hayashi and Prime Minister Hun Sen exchanged views on the Taiwan situation.