Phnom Penh (FN), Mar. 20 – Cambodian prime minister Hun Sen and Japanese prime minister Kishida Fumio consented to further strengthen cooperation in the field of security through continuous visits, according to a joint statement seen by Fresh News on Sunday.

The agreement was made on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the Japan Self-Defense Forces’ participation in the peacekeeping operation (PKO) in Cambodia.

“Japanese prime minister highly appreciated the fact that Cambodia has changed from a recipient country to a contributing country which dispatches troops to PKO, and has taken part with the international community in the cause of international peace and stability.”

The joint statement emphasized, "The two premiers welcomed the successful official visit of Cambodian army commander lieutenant general Hun Manet to Japan last month. The two premiers welcomed the port call at the Sihanoukville Port by the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) vessels and the goodwill exercise as well as the visit to the Ream Naval Base by JMSDF."

"Furthermore, the duo premiers consented to further strengthen cooperation in the field of security through continuous visits, including port calls by JMSDF vessels, expansion of bilateral exercises as well as cooperation between Japan Ground Self-Defense Force and the Royal Cambodian Army for humanitarian aid and disaster relief,” the statement added.

"Both leaders also consented to coordinate activities for the maintenance of peace through capacity building in the field of the peacekeeping operation and cooperation in sharing Cambodia's experience in demining with third countries. In this context, premier Hun Sen expressed gratitude to Japan’s strong support for demining so far."
=FRESH NEWS