The Japanese and South Korean governments yesterday announced millions of dollars in aid to Cambodia for a scholarship program and a number of rural development projects.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Hor Namhong and Japanese Ambassador Kumamaru Yuji signed for a $2.85 million grant yesterday to fund 21 students to study in Japan in the latest round of a 14-year-old study-abroad program.

“I hope this project contributes to human resource development,” Namhong said.

South Korea, meanwhile, announced the allocation of more than $21 million for four rural development projects to be implemented this year.

The agreement will be signed on Monday, according to a Foreign Ministry statement released yesterday.

The projects include developing the local securities market, a health sector support program and conducting feasibility studies for improving the organisation of the country’s sea ports.