Senate president Hun Sen (right) shakes hands with Akiba Takeo, Japan’s National Security Advisor and secretary-general of Japan’s National Security Secretariat, at the Senate Palace on December 20. SHS
Cambodia has expressed its strong support for Japan’s Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP) strategy, with Senate president Hun Sen announcing plans to grant Japanese vessels the first visitation rights at Ream Naval Base once construction is completed.
The announcement was made during a December 20 meeting between Hun Sen and Akiba Takeo, Japan’s National Security Advisor and secretary-general of Japan’s National Security Secretariat, at the Senate.
Akiba explained that Japan’s National Security Strategy is aligned with regional developments and emphasises constructive dialogue with partner countries and major powers, including China.
“Without dialogue and cooperation, especially with China, stability, resilience and development in the region cannot be achieved,” Akiba noted.
He reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to strengthening cooperation with Cambodia, ASEAN and other major powers to ensure regional stability and growth.
Hun Sen praised Japan’s strategy, likening it to Cambodia’s own vision of peace and cooperation.
He highlighted the progress of bilateral defence relations, both in naval and ground forces, which reflect the comprehensive strategy shared by the two nations.
“Japan considers the benefits of countries in the region, respects ASEAN centrality, and serves as a key partner for many regional nations,” Hun Sen said, as shared on his Facebook page.
He also reiterated Cambodia’s support for the FOIP strategy, emphasising that the Kingdom would back any initiative promoting peace, development and cooperation, provided it does not serve to provoke conflict or target any specific nation.
He added that such strategies must respect ASEAN centrality.
Hun Sen also encouraged enhanced dialogue between Japan and China to build mutual trust and further regional stability.
Last week, Japan donated four high-speed patrol boats worth over $7 million to Cambodia’s Department of Maritime Border Police. This assistance is part of Japan’s FOIP strategy, with Cambodia being the first ASEAN country to receive such support under the initiative.
