Phnom penh: Cambodia and Japan expressed satisfaction with the advancements in their bilateral cooperation during the 3rd Senior Officials' Talks (SOTs) between the Foreign Ministries of both countries in Phnom Penh on December 25.
According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, the meeting was co-chaired by H.E. Ung Rachana, Secretary of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Kingdom of Cambodia (MFAIC), and H.E. NAMAZU Hiroyuki, Senior Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan. The SOTs meeting noted the significant progress achieved in key areas of bilateral cooperation since the second SOTs meeting. Both parties agreed that frequent exchanges of visits and interactions at various levels, particularly the visit to Japan last May by Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei HUN Manet, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia, have substantially contributed to deepening the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two nations.
The meeting commended the implementation of the New Cooperation Approach and agreed to advance the Economic Co-Creation Package launched last May. This initiative aims to expand bilateral economic relations and attract more Japanese investment to Cambodia.
Regarding the Cambodia-Thailand border conflict, both sides highlighted the importance of resolving the issue peacefully through dialogue, ceasing hostilities, and ensuring the safe return of internally displaced persons. The meeting also touched upon recent regional and international developments of mutual interest.
During his visit to Cambodia, H.E. NAMAZU Hiroyuki paid a courtesy call on H.E. PRAK Sokhonn, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. They exchanged views on regional and multilateral cooperation, including the Cambodia-Thailand border conflict. The Foreign Minister emphasized Cambodia's consistent approach toward peacefully resolving the border conflict, which has intensified since renewed fighting broke out on December 7, 2025.