Japanese foreign minister to visit Cambodia
Japanese Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa begins her visit to Cambodia today.
Mrs. Kamikawa is scheduled for her first official visit to Cambodia from July 5-6, responding to an invitation from the Cambodian Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Sok Chenda Sophea. During this visit, Kamikawa will meet with Senate President Hun Sen and Prime Minister Hun Manet, with the primary aim of enhancing the comprehensive strategic partnership between Japan and Cambodia.
The relationship between Cambodia and Japan has been on an upward trajectory since the 1990s, marked by significant Japanese Official Development Assistance (ODA) that supported Cambodia’s reconstruction and development. In 2022, both nations upgraded their bilateral relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership (CSP), a distinction previously exclusive to China. This partnership is reflected in various cooperative ventures, including defense talks and naval visits, highlighting Cambodia’s balanced approach in its relations with Japan and China.
The outcome of Kamikawa’s visit could further solidify economic and security cooperation, leading to new tourism, education, and innovation projects. This visit also aims to reinforce Cambodia’s neutral stance in global geopolitics while ensuring regional stability. Strengthened bilateral ties may help Cambodia navigate the complexities of US-China tensions, leveraging Japan’s support for its socio-economic development and strategic interests in the Indo-Pacific region.
