Tokyo: H.E. Vongsey Vissoth, Permanent Deputy Prime Minister and Minister in Charge of the Office of the Council of Ministers of Cambodia, engaged in a significant meeting with H.E. Hayashi Yoshimasa, Japan’s Chief Cabinet Secretary, at the Prime Minister’s Office in Tokyo on the afternoon of February 4.

According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, H.E. Hayashi extended a warm welcome to Deputy Prime Minister Vongsey Vissoth and his delegation, acknowledging Cambodia’s efforts under the Seventh Legislature of the National Assembly, led by Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet. He highlighted Cambodia’s dedication to national development strategies and reforms, emphasizing the importance of Cambodia-Japan cooperation across various sectors to foster economic growth.

Deputy Prime Minister Vongsey Vissoth expressed his appreciation for the Japanese government’s support and conveyed greetings from Cambodia’s Prime Minister to Japanese Prime Minister H.E. Shigeru Ishiba through H.E. Hayashi. He reiterated Cambodia’s commitment to enhancing diplomatic ties and strengthening partnerships with Japan and other nations.

Vongsey Vissoth recognized Japan as a key partner in Cambodia’s development, noting Japan’s significant contributions to Cambodia’s peacebuilding and development since the post-conflict era. Japan’s role in Cambodia’s progress spans infrastructure, education, healthcare, and economic sectors, with achievements such as clean water systems, the Tsubasa Bridge, and efforts in landmine clearance.

H.E. Hayashi affirmed Japan’s ongoing support for Cambodia’s development, focusing on cooperation in infrastructure, governance, legal reforms, and technology, particularly 5G deployment. He encouraged the growth of public-private partnerships and Japanese investment to bolster Cambodia’s economy.

Both officials acknowledged the global uncertainties and pledged to uphold peace, multilateralism, and international cooperation to maintain a rules-based global order. They emphasized shared values and visions for regional and global stability and sustainable development.

Additionally, Deputy Prime Minister Vongsey Vissoth met with other Japanese leaders, including H.E. Kiuchi Minoru, H.E. Miyaji Takuma, and H.E. Tanaka Akihiko, discussing further strengthening of Cambodia-Japan cooperation and people-to-people exchanges.