Vessels from the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force will be the first international visitors to the Ream Naval Base when it opens next month, following the completion of phase one of its current upgrade work.

General Vong Pisen, commander-in-chief of the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces (RCAF) confirmed the unexpected news during a March 18 meeting with Colonel Hara Takashi, the newly appointed Japanese military attaché to Cambodia.

Pisen informed Hara that the port will commence operations in early April, and noted that Japanese vessels will be historically welcomed as the first to dock at the new facility.

“Pisen noted that the priority given to Japanese vessels – a historic moment – stems from the high-level stance of the Cambodian and Japanese governments to foster cooperative relations, mutual trust and a comprehensive strategic partnership,” noted a social media post by the RCAF High Command Headquarters.

Pisen also noted that following its opening, the port will be open to vessels from other countries for visits or joint military exercises.

Hara highlighted the strong cooperation between the navies of the two countries and expressed his government’s gratitude for agreeing to allow Japanese vessels to dock first at the Ream base. He believed this reflected transparency and strengthening international security.

Several western countries have previously alleged that Ream Naval Base was being upgraded to provide exclusive operating rights for the Chinese Navy, as the work was supported by China.

 The Cambodian government has repeatedly rejected such claims, noting that the upgrades pose no threat to regional security.