Japan has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening security cooperation with Cambodia as friendly relations between the two countries continue to flourish, Japanese Ambassador to Cambodia ISHIZUKI Hideo said.
Speaking at a ceremony marking the 72nd anniversary of the establishment of the Japan Self-Defense Forces, held at the Embassy of Japan in Phnom Penh on the evening of November 5, the Ambassador said: “The Government of Japan is firmly committed to further advancing security cooperation with Cambodia, maintaining the strong momentum built up over the past few years.”
He noted that security cooperation between Japan and Cambodia had expanded beyond a strictly bilateral framework, with the two countries working as equal partners to address challenges facing the region and the wider international community.
Their participation in United Nations peacekeeping operations is a notable example of this cooperation, he said.
For more than 30 years, since the first deployment of the Japan Self-Defense Forces to the United Nations Transitional Authority in Cambodia (UNTAC) mission, the two countries have developed a strong partnership in peacekeeping.
Cambodia, once a recipient of UN peacekeeping assistance, has since become a significant contributor, actively participating in international peacebuilding efforts, he added.
The Ambassador said the Japan Self-Defense Forces took pride in having supported Cambodia’s efforts over the years by providing various training programmes for Cambodian peacekeepers.
He also highlighted several recent milestones in bilateral security cooperation.
In April, two minesweepers from the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force became the first foreign naval vessels to dock at Ream Naval Base following its modernisation.
In July 2023, the two governments signed an Exchange of Notes concerning Japan’s Official Security Assistance (OSA) to Cambodia, worth about $3.2 million, to support the Cambodian Army and Navy.
He also cited a visit by General Morishita Yasunori, Chief of Staff of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force, during which the two sides agreed to support the establishment of a communications school for the Cambodian Army.
The Ambassador described these developments as significant advances in security cooperation between Japan and Cambodia.
