Tokyo, May 28 (AseanAll) — On May 28, 2025, IWAYA Takeshi, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, held a bilateral meeting with Prak Sokhonn, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Cambodia.
Iwaya warmly welcomed Deputy Prime Minister Prak Sokhonn’s visit to Japan and emphasized that Japan and Cambodia are “Comprehensive Strategic Partners” cooperating for international peace and stability, including demining in mine-affected third countries. He further expressed his desire to strengthen cooperation with Cambodia in realizing a “Free and Open Indo-Pacific” based on the rule of law and to maintain and enhance the multilateral free trade system.
In response, Prak Sokhonn expressed gratitude for Japan as a most trusted friend and Japan’s continuous support to Cambodia since the peace process and expressed his commitment to further developing bilateral cooperation.
Both ministers welcomed the port call of Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force vessels at Ream Naval Base in April and agreed to further enhance security cooperation. Iwaya expressed Japan’s desire to advance discussions on Official Security Assistance (OSA) and to see port calls of vessels from various countries at Ream Naval Base in the future toward a “more open base.”
The ministers also agreed to cooperate in maintaining and strengthening the multilateral free trade system, taking into account the current global economic situation, and to support the diversification of Cambodia’s economic partnerships. Iwaya further stated that Japan will promote “three new cooperation approaches” to Cambodia, focusing on social infrastructure development, maritime connectivity, and humanitarian mine action, as well as the Asia Zero Emission Community (AZEC). Prak Sokhonn expressed his appreciation for Japan’s continued support.
Both ministers agreed to cooperate towards Cambodia's sustainable development and the co-creation of social values, and the promotion of further investment from Japan.
Additionally, the ministers discussed Cambodia’s democratic development.
The ministers agreed to strengthen cooperation for international peace and stability, including triangular cooperation in the field of demining. Prak Sokhonn also highlighted Cambodia's resolve to address transnational organized crime, and both Ministers affirmed their commitment to cooperation in this regard.
Furthermore, both ministers agreed to continue to cooperate on a range of regional and international issues, including Japan-ASEAN cooperation, the situation in Myanmar, the East China Sea and the South China Sea, and responses to North Korea.
