PHNOM PENH: On October 30, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Sok Chenda Sophea, had a telephone conversation with Japanese Foreign Minister Kimikawa Yoko in their first official exchange since the new Cambodian administration took over in late August.

Cambodia and Japan reaffirmed their joint commitment to further strengthen and expand cooperation in all areas of mutual benefit, including politics, defense, trade, investment and good governance.

The two Ministers commended each other for their significant contribution to the strengthening of Cambodia-Japan relations, especially in the fields of economics and legal affairs.

Both sides hailed the remarkable progress in their countries’ relations, which have been upgraded to a "comprehensive strategic partnership," as they celebrate 70 years of diplomatic ties.

The two ministers also noted with satisfaction the progress of cooperation in financial development, most notably Phnom Penh’s new Aeon Mall and the inauguration of Toyota assembly plant next year.

Minister Sok Chenda Sophea expressed his deep gratitude to the Japanese government and its people for their contribution to the peace process and the socio-economic development of Cambodia.

The Japanese Foreign Minister reaffirmed the Japanese government's unwavering commitment to continue to support Cambodia's long-term development. The Government of Japan looks forward to welcoming Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet to the ASEAN-Japan Memorial Summit to in Tokyo on December 16-18, 2023, where the Cambodian Prime Minister is expected to meet with his Japanese counterpart, Prime Minister Kishida Fumio.

The two sides also exchanged views on regional and international developments, including ASEAN-Japan relations, peacekeeping cooperation and demining training, as well as the deteriorating situation in Gaza, in which a Cambodian student was killed.