PHNOM PENH: Prime Minister Hun Sen has requested the new Japanese Ambassador to Cambodia, Ueno Atsushi, to support the upcoming SEA Games which the Kingdom will host in May, by encouraging tourists to come and promoting direct flights from Japan to Cambodia.

Prime Minister Hun Sen requested this while receiving Ambasasdor Ueno Atsushi at the Peace Palace on Wednesday morning, 8 February 2023.

During the meeting, The Japanese Ambassador said that the relationship between Japan and Cambodia is the best it has been so far. He affirmed that during his mission as Japan's official representative to Cambodia, he will work to further strengthen this good relationship by promoting tourism investment, and especially supporting Cambodia while it hosts the SEA Games.

Prime Minister Hun Sen expressed his warm welcome to the new Japanese Ambassador and agreed with his plan to contribute to the organization of the SEA Games in Cambodia by encouraging tourists to visit the Kingdom and promoting direct flights to Cambodia from Japan.

At the same time, the Prime Minister also asked Ambassador Ueno Atsushi to promote the growth of Japanese trade and investments to Cambodia.

Modern Cambodian-Japanese relations began in 1953 and have continued to the present day. 2023 marks the 70th anniversary of this diplomatic relationship, and Prime Minister Hun Sen has confirmed that Cambodia and Japan will upgrade their cooperation to the level of a comprehensive strategic partnership to commemorate this historic milestone.