Phnom penh: H.E. Deputy Prime Minister PRAK Sokhonn, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Cambodia, and visiting H.E. NAGASHIMA Akihisa, Special Advisor to the Prime Minister and Member of the House of Representatives of Japan, have expressed satisfaction with the deepening momentum of bilateral relations between their countries. The meeting, held this morning, covered a wide range of issues of common interests and concerns.
According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, both parties acknowledged that the recent official working visit of Samdech Thipadei HUN Manet, Prime Minister of Cambodia, to Japan marked a historical and crucial milestone. This visit is seen as pivotal in further elevating the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between Cambodia and Japan to new heights.
The two nations reiterated their commitments to maintain a frequency of high-level exchanges and sustained engagement to enhance and deepen their bilateral partnership and collaboration. The Joint Statement and Economic Co-Creation Package, involving 20 line ministries and institutions, were adopted during the visit, setting a roadmap for future cooperation.
H.E. Deputy Prime Minister PRAK Sokhonn expressed gratitude to Japan for its ongoing support of Cambodia's economic development, specifically in trade, investment, education, and tourism. He also acknowledged Japan's commitment to encouraging more investors to Cambodia.
The meeting highlighted the appreciation for growing defense cooperation, including human resource training for the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces and joint training exercises in disaster response and mine clearance. The Deputy Prime Minister also noted Japan's positive consideration of Official Security Assistance and reaffirmed Cambodia's commitment to welcoming increased port calls by friendly nations' vessels at the REAM Naval Base.
Regarding the border dispute between Cambodia and Thailand, H.E. Deputy Prime Minister emphasized Cambodia's commitment to resolving disputes through peaceful means. He reaffirmed Cambodia's position to bring specified hotspots to the International Court of Justice, citing prolonged inactivity by the Thai side despite repeated invitations for dialogue. He added that Cambodia would respond operationally to any reopening of border crossings by Thailand within five hours.
H.E. NAGASHIMA expressed concern over the situation, noting that closures disrupt cross-border trade. He emphasized that reopening the border is essential for bilateral cooperation between Cambodia and Thailand, both of which are friends of Japan.
The meeting also included discussions on regional and international issues of mutual interest and concern.