(Phnom Penh): Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen affirmed that Cambodia’s development cannot be separated from Japan’s contributions, particularly its role in supporting peace and national development.
Samdech Techo received a courtesy call from Tanaka Akihiko, President of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), on 13 October 2025, at the Senate.
According to Senate Spokesperson Chea Thyrith, during the meeting, Samdech Techo Hun Sen warmly welcomed Tanaka Akihiko and his delegation for their visit to Cambodia. Samdech expressed his delight at meeting him again, after their previous encounter ten years ago in 2015 when Tanaka visited Cambodia to inaugurate the Cambodia-Japan Friendship Bridge (Neak Loeung Bridge).
Samdech Techo expressed hope that Tanaka’s visit would witness Cambodia’s ongoing development and progress, particularly through Japan’s assistance in infrastructure development across the country.
For his part, Tanaka Akihiko expressed his great pleasure in meeting Samdech Techo once again, remarking that the ten years had passed very quickly. He noted the remarkable changes and progress in Cambodia, and praised the country’s impressive development.
He also underlined Cambodia’s role and contributions, especially in cooperation with CMAC in overseas demining missions, and highlighted JICA’s key role in supporting Cambodia’s infrastructure development such as the construction of the Cambodia-Japan Friendship Bridges (Chroy Changvar, Kizuna, and Neak Loeung), assistance to Sihanoukville Autonomous Port, and improvements of National Roads No. 1 and No. 5, among others.
Samdech Techo Hun Sen expressed appreciation for Tanaka’s attention to his former role as Prime Minister and acknowledged JICA’s significant contributions to Cambodia’s development, reflecting Japan’s enduring friendship and support.
Samdech Techo also shared his personal reflections and historical insights, recalling his struggle to liberate Cambodia from the genocidal regime, restore peace by 1998, and lead the nation toward steady progress. He also briefed the JICA President on the Cambodia-Thailand border situation, reiterating Cambodia’s stance of resolving issues peacefully and restoring normalcy.
He further highlighted the importance of enhancing trade between Cambodia and Japan and encouraged JICA’s continued role in expanding cooperation across key sectors.
Tanaka Akihiko expressed gratitude to Samdech Techo for sharing his nation’s historical journey toward peace and prosperity. He reaffirmed JICA’s commitment to further strengthening cooperation with the Royal Government of Cambodia and expressed hope that both Cambodia and Thailand would achieve peaceful resolution on border matters and restore normal relations soon.
In conclusion, Samdech Techo Hun Sen wished Tanaka Akihiko and his delegation great success in their visit to the Kingdom of Cambodia.
=FRESH NEWS
