Foreign Ministry Releases Outcomes of Telephone Conversation between Cambodian and Japanese Top Diplomats

Cambodian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation this evening made public a press release on the outcomes of the telephone conversation between H.E. Prak Sokhonn, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation and his Japanese counterpart H.E. Hayashi Yoshimasa on Jan. 11.

On 11th January 2022, His Excellency PRAK Sokhonn, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Cambodia, had a telephone conversation with His Excellency HAYASHI Yoshimasa, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan.

His Excellency Deputy Prime Minister expressed, on behalf of the Royal Government and People of Cambodia, his sincere appreciation to the Government and people of Japan for their consistent assistance to support the socio-economic development in Cambodia, including the valuable assistance in the fight against COVID-19 and alleviating adverse impact caused by the pandemic.

Foreign Minister HAYASHI congratulated Cambodia for assuming ASEAN Chairmanship this year and reaffirmed Japan’s support and readiness to work closely with Cambodia for the successful chairmanship.

The two Foreign Ministers had a wide-ranging discussion on bilateral relations and took note with great satisfaction of the progress of the enduring friendly relationship and multifaceted cooperation between Cambodia and Japan. Both Ministers agreed to further strengthen defense cooperation and exchanges between the two countries, as this year marks the 30th Anniversary of Japan Self-Defense Force’s first overseas mission in Cambodia under the United Nations Peacekeeping Operation.

In addition to Japan’s previous assistance to Cambodia in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the development of the Sihanoukville Autonomous Port as the principal port of Cambodia and other sectors, Minister HAYASHI informed His Excellency Deputy Prime Minister that Japan is considering providing further assistance to Cambodia for demining, clean water and electricity supply, among others.

Apart from bilateral issues, both Foreign Ministers also touched on Myanmar issue in which they shared common concern of the ongoing violence in the country. While stressing that Cambodia attaches great importance to ASEAN unity and centrality, and ASEAN five-point consensus as well as upholding the ASEAN-10, His Excellency Prak Sokhonn briefed his Japanese counterpart about the positive outcomes of the working visit of Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia, to the Republic of the Union of Myanmar on 07-08 January 2022. The Deputy Prime Minister has expressed his thankfulness for Japan's support for Cambodia's ASEAN Chairmanship.

In response, Foreign Minister HAYASHI congratulated His Excellency Deputy Prime Minister on his appointment as Special Envoy of the ASEAN Chair on Myanmar and reiterated Japan's supports for Cambodia’s effort and coordination in making a conducive environment for negotiation on Myanmar issue. The two Foreign Ministers have also exchanged their views on regional and international issues of common concern and interest including the Korean Peninsula.

Finally, His Excellency Deputy Prime Minister PRAK Sokhonn expressed his expectation to welcome Foreign Minister HAYASHI’s visit to Cambodia when circumstance permits. His Excellency Minister HAYASHI looked forward to visiting and participating in the ASEAN related Meetings in Cambodia this year.

Source: Agency Kampuchea Press