Japan-Cambodia Relations

On August 1, commencing at 5:30 p.m. (7:30 p.m. JST) for approximately 20 minutes, Mr. Taro Kono, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, during his visit to Bangkok to attend ASEAN-related Foreign Ministers’ Meetings, held a meeting with H.E. Mr. Prak Sokhonn, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Kingdom of Cambodia. The overview of the meeting is as follows.

1. At the beginning, Minister Prak Sokhonn expressed his hope for the further deepening of Japan-Cambodia relations in the era of Reiwa, noting Prime Minister Hun Sen’s visit to Japan in May 2019 and His Majesty King Sihamoni’s upcoming visit to Japan in October to attend the Ceremony of the Enthronement of His Majesty the Emperor at the Seiden. In response, Minister Kono stated: “On the occasion of Prime Minister Hun Sen’s visit to Japan in May, Prime Minister Abe conveyed that Japan will continue to support the democratic development of Cambodia. It is a great honor to be able to receive His Majesty King Sihamoni on the Ceremony of the Enthronement of His Majesty the Emperor in October, a historic occasion for Japan.”
2. During the meeting, the Ministers discussed the development of Sihanoukville Port, the G20’s Osaka Blue Ocean Vision, and cooperation through the Japan Foundation Asia Center and othe issues.
3. Minister Kono stated, “The Government of Japan has invited young politics-oriented Cambodians to Japan and will continue to extend cooperation to ensure that a culture of democracy is established among the young generation in Cambodia.” In response, Minister Prak Sokhonn explained the initiatives of the Government of Cambodia related to its democratic development and expressed appreciation for Japan’s cooperation.