AKP Phnom Penh, October 13, 2025 --

Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet this morning received visiting H.E. Dr. Tanaka Akihiko, President of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), at the Peace Palace, where both sides discussed the progress and future direction of Cambodia-Japan cooperation.

During the meeting, H.E. Dr. Tanaka Akihiko praised Cambodia’s remarkable progress compared to his previous working visit to Cambodia a decade ago.

He reaffirmed JICA’s continued support for various development initiatives, including mine clearance operations and the expansion of Sihanoukville Autonomous Port. 

The JICA President also commended the Cambodian Mine Action Centre (CMAC) for its contribution to humanitarian demining training for Ukraine’s emergency response teams.

Dr. Tanaka Akihiko further mentioned Japan’s provision of concessional loans under its Official Development Assistance (ODA) framework to support some key infrastructure projects in Cambodia.

In response, Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet expressed satisfaction with the steady progress of Cambodia-Japan relations and thanked Japan for its long-standing contribution to Cambodia’s peacebuilding and socio-economic development. He highlighted that the bilateral relationship has now reached the level of “Comprehensive Strategic Partnership,” reflecting deep mutual trust and cooperation.

The Prime Minister thanked JICA for its consistent support in areas fundamental to Cambodia’s development, including mine clearance, human resource training, and infrastructure development.

Samdech Thipadei took this opportunity to share the Cambodia’s vision for developing the coastal areas, particularly transforming Preah Sihanouk province into a regional industrial and logistics hub.

Both sides also discussed future cooperation in information technology and digital transformation, as well as efforts to strengthen people-to-people ties. Samdech Thipadei encouraged JICA to continue close coordination with relevant Cambodian ministries and institutions to ensure the success of ongoing and future projects.

By Heng Panha