Phnom Penh: Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet received H.E. Dr. Tanaka Akihiko, President of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), this morning at the Peace Palace. The two sides held discussions on the significant progress and future direction of Cambodia-Japan cooperation.
During the meeting, Dr. Tanaka Akihiko praised Cambodia’s remarkable progress compared to his previous visit a decade ago. He reaffirmed JICA’s continued support for various key development initiatives, specifically mentioning mine clearance operations and the expansion of Sihanoukville Autonomous Port.
The JICA President also commended the Cambodian Mine Action Centre (CMAC) for its contribution to humanitarian demining training for Ukraine’s emergency response teams. Additionally, Dr. Tanaka mentioned Japan’s provision of concessional loans under its Official Development Assistance (ODA) framework to support crucial infrastructure projects in Cambodia.
Comprehensive Strategic Partnership
In response, Prime Minister Hun Manet expressed satisfaction with the steady progress in bilateral ties and thanked Japan for its long-standing contribution to Cambodia’s peacebuilding and socio-economic development. He highlighted that the bilateral relationship has now reached the level of “Comprehensive Strategic Partnership,” reflecting deep mutual trust and cooperation.
The Prime Minister specifically thanked JICA for its consistent support in fundamental areas of development, including mine clearance, human resource training, and infrastructure.
Samdech Thipadei shared Cambodia’s vision for developing the coastal areas, emphasizing the plan to transform Preah Sihanouk province into a regional industrial and logistics hub.
Both sides concluded the discussion by exploring future cooperation in information technology and digital transformation, as well as efforts to strengthen people-to-people ties. Samdech Thipadei encouraged JICA to continue close coordination with relevant Cambodian ministries and institutions to ensure the success of all ongoing and future projects.