TOKYO: Cambodia’s Minister of Justice, Koeut Rith, requested the Ministry of Justice of Japan to examine the possibility of further training of human resources at the Royal Academy of Justice Cambodia. He also requested expanding exchange programs and scholarships in Japan for officials in the field of law and justice and assistance in setting up Cambodia’s first commercial court.

Minister Koeut Rith made these requests during a bilateral meeting with the Japan’s Minister of Justice Ken Saito, during a special meeting at the two-day ASEAN-G7 Justice Ministers' Interface in Tokyo, Japan, held over July 6-7.

Speaking at the meeting, Keut Rith praised and supported Japan's "Justice Affairs Diplomacy" initiative to promote legal and judicial cooperation between itself and ASEAN member countries. The G7 aims to promote respect for the rule of law, human rights, national sovereignty and territorial integrity. Fighting transnational crime to ensure security, ensure peace, stability and sustainable development was also a main topic of the event.

He also expressed support for Japan's initiative to establish the ASEAN-G7 “Next Leaders' Forum”, which will bring together young government officials to share knowledge, expand skills and build long-term partnerships and cooperation toward longevity in the field of law and justice.

The minister also highlighted the history of cooperation between Cambodia and Japan in the field of law and justice, including the training provided by Japan at Cambodia’s Royal Academy of Justice with the cooperation of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). He thanked the government of Japan and its people for their support and assistance in the field of law and justice to Cambodia over the years.

Japanese Minister of Justice, Ken Saito, noted that the meeting was held during the 50th anniversary of ASEAN-Japan diplomatic relations, along with 70 years of diplomatic relations with Cambodia. He added that this was the first event in the in the field of law and justice aimed at promoting respect for the rule of law and respect for human rights. He hoped that ASEAN and the G7 countries would continue to have good relations, especially in the fields of law and justice.