PHNOM PENH — Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet met with Tanaka Akihiko, President of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), at the Peace Palace on Monday to discuss ongoing and future cooperation between Cambodia and Japan.
During the meeting, Tanaka highlighted Cambodia’s remarkable development over the past decade since his previous visit. He reaffirmed JICA’s commitment to supporting several key initiatives, including demining programs and the expansion of the Sihanoukville Autonomous Port. Tanaka praised the Cambodia Mine Action Centre (CMAC) for its humanitarian efforts in training Ukraine’s State Emergency Service in demining operations.
He also noted Japan’s Official Development Assistance (ODA) for Cambodia, mentioning that loan agreements for the Nirodh Water Supply System Expansion Project and the Phnom Penh City Power Transmission and Distribution System Expansion Project (Phase III) would be signed later in the day.
Prime Minister Hun Manet expressed appreciation for Japan’s long-standing contribution to Cambodia’s peace-building and socio-economic progress. He underscored that bilateral relations have reached the level of a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, reflecting mutual trust and growing cooperation in multiple sectors.
The Prime Minister thanked JICA for its role in supporting Cambodia’s infrastructure, human resource development, and mine clearance efforts, which have laid the foundation for sustainable growth. He also shared Cambodia’s vision of transforming Sihanoukville into an advanced industrial and logistics hub to drive regional economic integration.
Both sides discussed collaboration in digital transformation and information technology, as well as the importance of promoting people-to-people exchanges to deepen mutual understanding.
Hun Manet encouraged JICA to continue working closely with Cambodian ministries and institutions to ensure the successful implementation of ongoing projects.
On this occasion, Tanaka expressed gratitude to Cambodia for being the first nation to host Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers (JOCV), while the Prime Minister congratulated Japan on the 60th anniversary of the JOCV program in Cambodia this year.
Also read, Norway Pledges USD 1.2 Million to Support Cambodia’s Mine Action Efforts
