Phnom Penh, July 11, 2024 – General Mao Sophan, Deputy Commander of the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces and Commander of the Army, held a bilateral meeting on July 9, 2024, with General Yasunori Morishita, Commander of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force, in Tokyo, Japan.

During the meeting, General Yasunori Morishita praised the enduring friendship between Cambodia and Japan, which began in 1953 and has grown steadily over the past 70 years, culminating in the promotion of a "comprehensive strategic partnership" in 2023.

General Mao Sophan expressed gratitude to the Government of Japan, the Japanese Self-Defense Forces, and the people of Japan for their invaluable support in maintaining peace in Cambodia, particularly through the deployment of peacekeepers in 1992. He acknowledged Japan as an indispensable partner in Cambodia's development process.

The two generals also exchanged views on regional and global situations and pledged to further strengthen and expand military cooperation. This includes military exchanges at all levels, human resource training, joint exercises, and collaboration on demining efforts.