Japan-Cambodia Relations
Meeting between Foreign Minister HAYASHI and the Minister attached to the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia
August 4, 2022
On August 4, commencing at 1:30 p.m. for approximately 20 minutes, Mr. HAYASHI Yoshimasa, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, held a meeting with H.E. Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, Minister attached to the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia, during his visit to the Kingdom of Cambodia to attend the ASEAN-related Foreign Ministers' Meeting. The overview of the meeting is as follows.
- Introduction
Minister Hayashi expressed his respect for the contributions of Cambodia's efforts as the ASEAN Chair in hosting the ASEAN-related Foreign Ministers’ Meetings in a face-to-face manner for the first time in three years. He emphasized their bilateral relations was at the best ever, and stated that he would like to strengthen their collaboration toward the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Cambodia next year. Minister Kao Kim Hourn expressed his condolences again to the demise of Former Prime Minister Abe and also his high appreciation to his contributions to the Japan-Cambodia relations and to cooperation in the Mekong region as well as the broader Indo-Pacific region. He also expressed his will to further strengthen the bilateral relations with Japan and the ASEAN-Japan relations. Minister Hayashi expressed appreciation to his these words. - Regional and International Situations
- (1) Situation in Myanmar
Minister Hayashi stated that Japan seriously deplored that the execution of detainees including a former NLD lawmaker had been carried out by the Myanmar military. He highly appreciated that Cambodia had been playing its role as the ASEAN Chair. He also stated that Japan would continue to fully support ASEAN’s efforts including those of the ASEAN Chair Cambodia. In response, Minister Kao Kim Hourn expressed his gratitude for Japan's support and his willingness to work with Japan in addressing the situation in Myanmar. - (2) ASEAN
Minister Hayashi explained Japan’s position on regional and international issues such as the situation in Ukraine, the South China Sea issues, as well as North Korea’s nuclear and missile development and abduction issue. In response, Minister Kao Kim Hourn explained Cambodia’s position. They confirmed that the two countries shared their views on many points. Minister In his remarks, Kao Kim Hourn expressed Cambodia’s support to the denuclearization of North Korea and the resolution of the abduction issue, as well as its support to a Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP) upheld by Japan.
Minister Hayashi also expressed his expectation to Minister Kao Kim Hourn’s leadership based on his rich knowledge and experiences with ASEAN in light of his nomination by Prime Minister Hun Sen as the next ASEAN Secretary-General. Minister Hayashi went on to say that this year was an important year to give a boost for the 50th Year of ASEAN-Japan Friendship and Cooperation next year, and he would like to continue to work closely with Cambodia for successful ASEAN-related Foreign Ministers’ and Summit Meetings this year as well as the 50th Year of ASEAN-Japan relations next year.
In response, Minister Kao Kim Hourn said that he highly valued Japan’s assistance to ASEAN and he would like to strengthen collaboration with Japan.