Phnom Penh: At the invitation of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation SOK Chenda Sophea, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan KAMIKAWA Yoko, paid an official visit to the Kingdom of Cambodia from July 5 to 6, 2024.

During her visit, Minister Kamikawa met with Prime Minister HUN Manet and President of the Senate HUN Sen. She also held a bilateral meeting with Deputy Prime Minister Sok Chenda Sophea. The visit underscored the deepening relationship between Cambodia and Japan, focusing on several key areas:

1. Strengthening Strategic Partnership: Both sides discussed enhancing the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and expanding cooperation in various sectors beneficial to both nations.

2. Defense and Security Cooperation: The ministers commended the outcomes of the First Cambodia-Japan Senior Officials' Dialogue held in Siem Reap. They agreed to increase cooperation between the Cambodian Maritime Police and the Japan Coast Guard, with Japan pledging to provide patrol boats to the Cambodian National Police.

3. Economic Collaboration: Minister Kamikawa encouraged more Japanese investment in Cambodia. She announced Japan’s commitment to providing eight billion Japanese Yen for the Phnom Penh City electricity transmission line.

4. Cultural Cooperation: Deputy Prime Minister Sok Chenda Sophea expressed gratitude for Japan's role in preserving Cambodia’s cultural heritage. The two sides agreed to continue this vital cooperation.

5. Infrastructure Development: The discussion highlighted Japan’s support for social infrastructure development, including potable water, wastewater treatment, and digital and cyber security. Japan will continue to assist Phnom Penh's water supply system and expand this assistance to other provinces.

6. Maritime Connectivity: Japan will support the development of Sihanoukville Autonomous Port to become a regional shipping and logistics hub.

7. Demining Initiatives: Both countries will cooperate on humanitarian demining, with Japan ready to assist Cambodia during the upcoming "Siem Reap-Angkor Summit on a Mine-Free World" in November.

The visit concluded with the signing of agreements for grant aid worth approximately USD 2.7 million for human resource development scholarships and a yen loan of approximately USD 59.6 million for the National Road No. 5 Improvement Project.