Phnom Penh: The Royal Government of Cambodia has expressed gratitude to Japan’s Government for its continued support in boosting the kingdom’s social and human resource development. On Monday, Cambodia’s Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn has signed on behalf of the Royal Government an ‘Exchange of Notes’ with Japan’s Ambassador, Mikami Masahiro for the extension for its loan and grants.

Sokhonn has represented the Royal Government of Cambodia during the ceremony for the extension of Japan’s loan and grants of worth nearly $73 million. He says, “Today’s signing ceremony reflects continued assistance of Japan to Cambodia despite the COVID-19 crisis, which is a strong support for the development of Cambodia. He has also thanked Japan’s assistance in Cambodia’s fight against Covid-19 through loans, grants and vaccines.

The Japanese Embassy in Cambodia says that this was in response to the request from the Royal Government of Cambodia and with a view to strengthening friendly and cooperative relations between the two countries.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation has stated that out of the $73 million amount loaned from Japan, $58.2 million of it has been allocated for Siem Reap Water Supply Expansion Project. The rest is divided for the implementation of economic and social development, landmine action, construction material sector, cadastral survey, human resource development and manufacturing sector.