PHNOM PENH: On December 7, the PM welcomed Japanese Ambassador Ueno Atsushi at the Peace Palace to discuss further strengthening and expanding cooperation in a number of key areas between Cambodia and Japan.

The Japanese Ambassador said that his country is committed to further strengthening and expanding support for Cambodia in a number of areas, including investment, connectivity, technology, education and vocational training, and security and national defense and more.

He also requested a joint exercise between the Cambodian and Japanese navies to strengthen military ties between the two countries. He expressed Japan’s support for working with Cambodia to maintain peace, security and prosperity in the region and globally.

The Prime Minister expressed support for the direction of economic cooperation between the two countries and encouraged Japan to invest more in small and medium businesses in Cambodia. He also asked Japan to examine the possibility of establishing a Cambodia-Japan Industrial Park and to development a master plan in the field of logistics to turn Sihanoukville Autonomous Port into an important gateway to the region.

In the field of security and defense, the PM also expressed his support for closer cooperation through practical activities and meetings of the working groups from both militaries. He organized a mechanism to link the two countries' land forces, including a visit of the Japanese Navy to Cambodia in 2024, as well as the organization of joint naval exercises at Japan’s request.