H.E. Prak Sokhonn, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, had a bilateral meeting with H.E. HAYASHI Yoshimasa, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Japan, on Aug. 4, 2022 on the sidelines of the 55th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting and Related Meetings in Phnom Penh.

According to H.E. Chum Sounry, Secretary of State and Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Deputy PM Prak Sokhonn and Foreign Minister Yoshimasa noted with great satisfaction the frequent high-level exchange of visits and the excellent state of relations and close cooperation in the bilateral framework as well as in the regional and international platforms as evidenced by the two Summit Meetings this year between the two Prime Ministers.

The two Foreign Ministers agreed to further strengthen friendly relations and close cooperation as next year marks the 70th Anniversary of the diplomatic relations between the two countries. Foreign Minister Yoshimasa underlined that Japan is considering Samdech Techo Prime Minister Hun Sen’s proposal to further elevate the strategic partnership to new height to commemorate the anniversary. Deputy PM Prak Sokhonn thanked Japan for substantive assistance for Cambodia’s socio-economic development. The two Foreign Ministers were also satisfied with the close defense and security cooperation and capacity building for Cambodian peacekeeping forces. Deputy PM Prak Sokhonn accepted with thanks his Japanese counterpart’s invitation to pay an official visit to Japan this year.

At Foreign Minister Yoshimasa’s inquiries, Deputy PM Prak Sokhonn briefed his counterpart on the current situation in Myanmar, highlighting some progress achieved and underlining he would continue his efforts till the end of his mandate as Special Envoy of the ASEAN Chair on Myanmar despite the recent backsliding by the execution. Foreign Minister Yoshimasa commended Samdech Techo Prime Minister Hun Sen and Deputy PM Prak Sokhonn for the endeavors to find solution to Myanmar crisis.

In the ASEAN-Japan relations framework, Deputy PM Prak Sokhonn underlined Cambodia’s support for holding the ASEAN-Japan Summit to commemorate in Japan in 2023 the 50th Year as “Year of Friendship and Cooperation” and for Japan’s intention to establish the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with ASEAN. Foreign Minister Yoshimasa reiterated Japan’s strong support for Cambodia’s ASEAN Chairmanship.

Deputy PM Prak Sokhonn and Foreign Minister Yoshimasa had also an exchange of views on other regional and international issues of common concerns and interests.

Source: Agency Kampuchea Press