Phnom Penh (FN), Feb. 28 – Embassy of Japan in Cambodia commemorated the 63rd birthday of Japanese emperor Naruhito on 27 February 2023 at the Cambodiana Hotel.

Cambodian foreign minister Prak Sokhonn and members of the diplomatic community participated in this ceremony. The ceremony also featured performances by goodwill ambassadors for the 70th Anniversary of Japan-Cambodia Friendship, Ms. Minamino Yoko and Ms. Laura Mam.

"2023 marks the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries. If we look back 70 years since establishing diplomatic ties, the relations between the two countries have grown significantly. In 1955, just two years after establishing diplomatic relations, Cambodian late king father Norodom Sihanouk visited Japan as the head of state. The Treaty of Friendship between Japan and Cambodia was signed, "Japanese ambassador to Cambodia Ueno Atsushi underscored.

In addition, Ueno Atsushi said that 2023 is a special year for Japan-Cambodia relations because Japanese prime minister Fumio Kishida and Cambodian prime minister Hun Sen have exchanged state visits twice. The two leaders agreed to elevate Japan-Cambodia relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership in line with the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties.

"As Cambodia and Japan commemorate this year the 70th Anniversary of our Diplomatic Relations, we have elevated our friendly ties to the level of Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, reaching the peak of our relations," Cambodian foreign minister Prak Sokhonn underscored.

"For nearly three quarters of a century, both countries have maintained close bonds of friendship, built mutual trust and confidence through all the ups and downs of the geopolitical history. More importantly, our government and people are truly grateful of Japan's vital contribution to Cambodia's peace and reconstruction processes in the early 1990s, as well as for its continued support in the Kingdom's socio-economic development till the present days. We shall never forget these noble acts," Prak Sokhonn continued.

Japanese emperor Naruhito acceded to the Chrysanthemum Throne on 1 May 2019, beginning the Reiwa era, following the abdication of his father, Akihito.
=FRESH NEWS