Phnom Penh: On the morning of Saturday, July 6, 2024, President of the Senate Hun Sen warmly welcomed Ms. Kamikawa Yoko, Japan's Minister of Foreign Affairs, during her visit to Cambodia. This visit signifies a further strengthening of the longstanding ties of friendship and cooperation between Cambodia and Japan.

Minister Kamikawa expressed her pleasure at meeting President Hun Sen once again, recalling their first encounter in 2005. She congratulated him on his recent appointment as President of the Senate and commended his significant contributions to enhancing Cambodia-Japan bilateral relations. The Minister highlighted the depth of the partnership, celebrating the close cooperation between the two nations across various fields.

During their discussion, Minister Kamikawa briefed President Hun Sen on her productive meetings with the Cambodian Prime Minister. They explored new avenues of cooperation, focusing on three key areas: water infrastructure, digital advancements such as 5G and cybersecurity, and maritime connectivity through seaport collaboration. The Japanese Foreign Minister also emphasized the economic potential of Cambodia, expressing her desire to attract more Japanese investment.

Additionally, Minister Kamikawa reaffirmed Japan's commitment to demining efforts and expressed her intention to support Cambodia in hosting the 5th Review Meeting of the Ottawa Convention in November 2024. She also sought Cambodia's participation in an international conference on mine action in Ukraine, scheduled to be held in Japan in 2025. On regional issues, she praised Cambodia's efforts towards a peaceful resolution in Myanmar and reiterated Japan's support for ASEAN's five-point consensus on Myanmar.

President Hun Sen expressed his delight at meeting Minister Kamikawa again and appreciated Japan's longstanding assistance in Cambodia's development. He acknowledged Japan's contributions to Cambodia's infrastructure, including the construction of National Roads No. 1 and No. 5, and the improvement of water systems in Phnom Penh. He also highlighted the strong economic ties and welcomed more Japanese investments in Cambodia.

Hun Sen took pride in the comprehensive strategic partnership achieved with Japan earlier this year. He assured that despite the change in Cambodia's Prime Minister, the bilateral relations with Japan would continue to flourish. He fondly recalled his visit to Tokyo last January and his meeting with Prime Minister Kishida Fumio, whom he regards as a close friend.

In conclusion, President Hun Sen reaffirmed Cambodia's support for Japanese initiatives, including the Free and Open Indo-Pacific Initiative (FOIP), and confirmed Cambodia's participation in the conference on mine action in Ukraine. He also extended his wishes for Minister Kamikawa's successful visit to Cambodia, encouraging her to meet with other Cambodian leaders and further strengthen the bonds between the two nations.