PHNOM PENH: The State Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, Takei Shunsuke, was an honored guest at the opening ceremony of the Japan-Cambodia Kizuna Festival of 2023 on Thursday evening, 23 February 2023, where he remarked that the festival is an important event that shows the strong ties between the people of Japan and Cambodia.
The opening ceremony was also attended by the Minister of Education, Youth and Sports, Hang Chuon Naron, the Secretary of State of the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts, Pen Monimakara, and the Undersecretary of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Chan Ratana.
"This year marks the 70th anniversary of Japan-Cambodia friendship, and for the past 70 years, the two countries' strong ties have grown through cooperation in the process of seeking peace, national reconciliation and socio-economic development in Cambodia," said Japanese State Minister, Takei Shunsuke.
He added that Cambodia's remarkable development in the field of economy and infrastructure has attracted many Japanese investors, and potential areas of Japanese cooperation are being continuously expanded.
He further emphasized that the Prime Minister of Japan, Fumio Kishida, and the Prime Minister of Cambodia, Hun Sen, have both acknowledged the progress made between the two countries in regard to bilateral cooperation, and have agreed to further enhance the relationship to the level of a comprehensive strategic partnership.
The Cambodian Minister of Education, Youth and Sports, Hang Chuon Naron, also stated that the Kizuna Festival provides an opportunity for many Cambodian and Japanese people to experience and exchange valuable traditional and modern forms of art, culture and performances that benefit the audience through collaborative learning activities.
The 2023 Japan-Cambodia Kizuna Festival will take place from 24-26 February at the Cambodia-Japan Cooperation Center (CJCC). This year's festival theme is "A Blossoming Friendship".
"Through this festival, I hope that many people will gain a deeper understanding of Japanese and Cambodian culture, I sincerely hope that our friendship will expand under the theme of this festival," said State Minister Takei Shunsuke.
