Top JGSDF Official Met PM Hun Sen to Boost Bilateral Defense Cooperation

Top JGSDF Official Met PM Hun Sen to Boost Bilateral Defense Cooperation

The top Japan Self-Defense Forces official and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen have agreed to boost bilateral defense cooperation.

Ground Self-Defense Force Chief of Staff General Goro Yuasa is making an official visit to Cambodia. He is the first chief of a defense force to do so. Yuasa met the Cambodian prime minister on Thursday.

Hun Sen has welcomed the visit. He noted that he has also been working to strengthen the long-running bilateral relationship.

Yuasa reportedly expressed his intention to try to enhance ties through defense cooperation and personnel exchanges.

The Self-Defense Forces have sent personnel to Cambodia in the past to provide technical assistance and training, in connection with UN peacekeeping operations.

Cambodia has recently strengthened ties with China. Beijing has supported the country’s high economic growth. Investment from China accounted for more than 40 percent of all foreign investment in Cambodia last year.

Yuasa also met senior officials of the Cambodian military. It is believed that he conveyed Japan’s concern over China’s increasing maritime presence in the South China Sea.