Phnom Penh (FN), Dec. 27 – Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet stated that Cambodia and Japan shared strong and positive relations, extending from the monarchy to the general population.
The premier spoke on Wednesday (Dec. 27) during an inauguration ceremony for Cheung Aek Sewage Treatment Plant in Phnom Penh.
"The other day, during my visit to Tokyo, I had the honour of meeting with the Japanese emperor and empress, whose father, interestingly, has a diplomatic background and was involved in facilitating peace talks,” Samdech Thipadei underscored.
Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet asserted that historical records indicate a connection between Cambodia and Japan not only for the past 70 years but extending back more than 400 years. During the post-Angkorian period, there existed a Japanese village in the capital of Oudong. However, these relations were severed during Cambodia's tumultuous period of war and have since been reestablished.
2023 marks the 70th anniversary of the establishment of relations between Cambodia and Japan. With only four days left to reach the 71st anniversary, the Government and the people of both countries need to further strengthen their relationship. In this regard, Samdech Thipadei expressed gratitude to the Government and the people of Japan for consistently providing support to Cambodia.
On the occasion, Samdech Thipadei underscored that in the past 70 years, despite facing some challenges, Japan has played a crucial role in assisting Cambodia, especially during the negotiation phase that marked the end of the war when Cambodia achieved peace in the early 1990s.
It should be informed that Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet paid an official visit to Japan last week to attend the ASEAN-Japan Commemorative Summit for the 50th Year of ASEAN-Japan Friendship and Cooperation.
Beginning with positive relations and subsequently elevated to a comprehensive strategic partnership, Japan has supported Cambodia in maintaining peace and aiding recovery after the conclusion of the civil war. This support extends to programs promoting the development of democracy and socio-economic progress.
Notably, infrastructure projects, such as the repair of the Chroy Changvar bridge damaged during the civil war, construction of major bridges, roads, health facilities, schools, and irrigation systems, have been undertaken to enhance the well-being of Cambodians.
Regarding economic cooperation, the trade volume between Cambodia and Japan, which was 1.6 billion yen in 1981, has surged to more than 200 times by 2022. Japanese companies have experienced substantial growth in Cambodia, with several large Japanese firms investing significantly in the country.
Recent developments include the opening of numerous large Japanese companies in Cambodia, and in 2023, several substantial investment projects were initiated, including the launch of Aeon Mall 3 and initiatives for mutual tourism exchanges and sending students to study in Japan.
=FRESH NEWS
