Tokyo (FN), Feb. 16 – Japanese prime minister Funio Kishida want to see a closer tie between Japan and Cambodia in order to become key partner in regional and global peacekeeping, especially supporting Japan's Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP) strategy for peace, stability and development in the region and the globe.

Japanese premier Kishida spoke during the courtesy call by Cambodian army commander lieutenant general Hun Manet on Wednesdya in Tokyo, Japan.

Kishida highlighted the importance of celebrating the 70th anniversary of Japan-Cambodia diplomatic ties in 2023 in order to further strengthen and expand cooperation between the two countries. He expressed his support for Cambodia's role as ASEAN chair, especially the premier Hun Sen’s initiatives in resolving the political crisis in Myanmar.

Manet conveyed regards from Cambodian prime minister Hun Sen to Fumio Kishida and confirmed premier Hun Sen’s support in organizing the 30th anniversary of Japan’s contribution to the United Nations Peacekeeping Operations (PKO) in Cambodia.

Manet continued that Cambodia used to be a country that received PKO forces in 1992-1993, but now, Cambodia sends forces to many countries for the United Nations peacekeeping mission.

Hun Manet also reaffirmed Cambodia's position in striving for peace and stability in the region to ensure common prosperity for all.

FOIP is a vision to develop a free and open Indo-Pacific region as "international public goods" through ensuring the rule-based international order attaching importance to ASEAN's centrality and unity, in order to bring stability and prosperity for every country as well as secure peace and prosperity in the region as a whole.

Hun Manet is visiting Japan through Japan’s special flight at the invitation of the defense ministry as this year marks the 30th anniversary of Japan's dispatch of Self-Defense Forces personnel to Cambodia as the first case of SDF participation in UN peacekeeping operations.

Manet has held separate talks with Japanese foreign minister Hayashi Yoshimasa; Japanese defense minister Nobuo Kishi; commander-in-chief of the Japanese Self-Defense Forces general Yamazaki Koji; and the commander of the Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force general Yoshida Yoshihide.
=FRESH NEWS