Japanese minister to boost ties during visit

Contractors of Singapore's National Parks Board move the elephant ivory for destruction to commemorate World Elephant Day, which falls on Aug. 12, in one of NParks' facilities in Singapore on Aug. 11, 2020. Xinhua/Then Chih Wey

The Japanese Minister of Foreign Affairs, Motegi Toshimitsu, is due to embark on a three-day visit to Cambodia between August 21 and 23, which will see him meeting with Prime Minister Hun Sen.

According to a statement by the Cambodian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Motegi will meet with Mr. Hun Sen as well as to conduct a meeting with Foreign Affairs Minister Prak Sokhonn to discuss bilateral and multilateral interests.

“The official visit of His Excellency Motegi to the Kingdom will further strengthen the existing bonds of friendship and cooperation between the two countries in all areas and frameworks,” said the statement.

“It also reflects the solidarity felt between the two nations in the fight against COVID-19 and in the post-pandemic economic recovery operation,” it said.

The Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Motegi will also visit Laos, Myanmar and Papua New Guinea between August 20 and 25.

It said that during his visit to each country, Motegi is scheduled to exchange views on common concerns and interests, including discussing the realization of the Free and Open Indo-Pacific strategy, the ongoing dispute in the South China Sea and concerns over North Korea.

The ministry said Motegi’s visits are aimed at fostering closer ties between Japan and the countries.

“Furthermore, during the visits to the three countries in the Mekong region, Minister Motegi will discuss relevant regional issues, including resuming cross-border travel and cooperation on response measures against COVID-19,” said the statement.

The visit will mark one year since the Japanese Vice Foreign Minister Norikazu Suzuki also spent three days visiting the Kingdom.

During a meeting with Suzuki last year, Mr. Hun Sen said Phnom Penh was experiencing traffic congestion issues and asked if Japanese companies could develop a transportation system for the capital.

Mr. Hun Sen also lauded Japan as an international partner, who he said has always assisted in promoting peace in the Kingdom and provided considerable funding and support to boost Cambodia’s development, such as at the Shinaoukville Autonomous Port. Khmer Times