Japan-Cambodia Joint Press Announcement

Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen, members of the press, ladies and gentlemen,
I am very happy to see all of you in Cambodia, our close friend, once again. I greatly appreciate your warm welcome.

During today's Summit Meeting, Prime Minister Huns Sen and I agreed to upgrade our bilateral relations to a "Comprehensive Strategic Partnership," based on the significant development of bilateral cooperation, in the next year, which marks 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Cambodia. Taking this opportunity, Japan will move cooperation with Cambodia further forward.

There is great potential for cooperation between the two countries. The Cambodia-Japan Digitalized Manufacturing Center (CJDM) is one of the examples. For Cambodia’s further growth, it needs the technologies and human resources to support industrial development. With the cooperation of Japan, the CJDM will train personnel who can produce metallic components using digital technology. It aims for domestic production of components that Cambodia still relies on imports at present.

Our cooperation extends beyond our bilateral relations. In today's meeting, Prime Minister Hun Sen and I again discussed regional and international affairs. Our countries shared the position that unilateral change of the status quo by force is unacceptable and communicated this position together.

In particular, we must continue to appeal together for the resolute determination that Russia's threat to use nuclear weapons in Ukraine is unacceptable, let alone that the use of such weapons must never be tolerated. In addition, making use of technologies that Japan has for many years provided cooperation on, the Cambodia Mine Action Center (CMAC), together with JICA, will conduct training for Ukraine on the use of landmine detectors, sending a powerful message to the international community.

Next year, Japan and Cambodia will celebrate the 70th anniversary since the establishment of our diplomatic relations. Under our "Comprehensive Strategic Partnership," I hope our bilateral cooperation will expand into a wider range of fields and look forward to active exchanges between the peoples of both countries.

សូមអរគុណ (Thank you in Cambodian)