Phnom Penh, 19 November 2021 (TDI): The Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of Cambodia, Prak Sokhonn had a telephonic conversation with the newly appointed Foreign Minister of Japan, Hayashi Yoshimasa.
Telephonic Diplomatic Engagement
The two discussed the significant contributions of Japan to ensure reconstruction and peace in Cambodia. Japan has consistently provided aid to Cambodia for its socio-economic development. Furthermore, it has also supported the country through the Covid-19 pandemic by supplying vaccines and medical equipment.
Bilateral Collaboration
The bilateral relations between the two countries have steadily strengthened over the years. The counterparts expressed satisfaction with the growing cooperation and friendship. They affirmed that the year 2023 will mark an important milestone in the ties between Cambodia and Japan; as it marks the 70the anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two partners.
Apart from this, they discussed mutual collaboration in the fields of trade, economy, people-to-people contact, the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, and the development of the Sihanoukville seaport in Cambodia.
Cooperation in International Peacekeeping
The Japanese Foreign Minister lauded the efforts taken by Cambodia to ensure political security and international peacekeeping. Japan will continue to support Cambodia in this regard.
The Cambodian Foreign Minister on his part appreciated Japan’s help in the capacity building of the Cambodian peacekeepers. He agreed with his Japanese counterpart to enhance cooperation in the realm of peacekeeping and the promotion of human rights.
Cooperation through Multilateral Frameworks
Talking about cooperation in multilateral frameworks, particularly ASEAN, the two discussed the regional situation as well as the post-pandemic recovery. On behalf of his country, Hayashi Yoshimasa pledged support for Cambodia’s chairmanship of ASEAN in 2022. In addition to that, he enunciated full support for the upcoming ASEAN-Japan summit in 2023. The summit will commemorate 50 years of ASEAN-Japan dialogue.
Prak Sokhonn and the Japanese Foreign Minister also discussed the prevailing volatile situation of Myanmar and its regional implications. They agreed on ASEAN’s positive role to resolve the Myanmar crisis through a peaceful approach.
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