Tokyo (FN), September 13 - Japan has reaffirmed their commitment to support Cambodian peacekeeping forces to humanitarian missions in various countries in the world.

The affirmation came Tuesday during a bilateral meeting between Cambodian defense minister, Tea Banh, and Japanese defense minister Itsunori Onodera.

"2017 marks the 25th anniversary of the original Japanese peacekeeping operation to Cambodia," Itsunori Onodera said.

During 2012-2016, Japan sent Japanese Self-Defense Forces to the National Center for Peacekeeping Force, Mines, and ERW Clearance (NPMEC) in order to train and develop personnel, particularly to enhance the capability of the Cambodian Army.

"From 2017 to 2019, Japan will assist the technical sector by sending teachers to NPMEC, as we recognize that Cambodia is willing to participate in maintaining world peace," he added.

Minister Tea Banh stated that the recent visit of Prime Minister Hun Sen has strengthen the relationship between Cambodia and Japan.

He told Itsunori Onodera that although four Cambodian peacekeepers had sacrificed their lives during four years of peacekeeping missions in Central Africa, Cambodia still has maintained its duty in this humanitarian mission.

Cambodia's peacekeeping missions have been successful in the past, thanks to training and equipment supplies from Japan. In this sense, Minister Tea Banh also asked Japan to continue to further provide training and development to the Cambodian Royal Armed Forces in accordance with the practical possibilities of training in Cambodia as well as sending forces to train in Japan.

After the meeting, Minister Tea Banh is expected to deliver a special keynote address at the Deputy Defense Ministerial Meeting, which is held in Fukuoka, Japan.
=FRESH NEWS