Cambodia, JICA Vow to Deepen Bilateral Cooperation

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (Oct. 13, 2025) — Prime Minister Hun Manet met with Japan International Cooperation Agency President Tanaka Akihiko on Monday at the Peace Palace to reaffirm Cambodia-Japan cooperation and discuss future development initiatives.

Tanaka praised Cambodia’s progress over the past decade, recalling his previous visit 10 years ago. He reiterated JICA’s commitment to supporting key projects, including mine clearance and the expansion of the Sihanoukville Autonomous Port.

He also commended the Cambodian Mine Action Centre for training Ukrainian emergency units in humanitarian mine clearance.

Tanaka noted Japan’s upcoming grant aid under the Official Development Assistance framework, which will fund the expansion of Phnom Penh’s clean water supply and the third phase of improvements to the electricity transmission and distribution network.

Agreements for both projects were expected to be signed later Monday.
Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet welcomed the continued momentum in Cambodia-Japan relations and thanked Japan for its long-standing support for peacebuilding and socio-economic development.

He said the partnership had reached the level of a comprehensive strategic relationship and expressed confidence in further deepening cooperation.

The prime minister acknowledged JICA’s role in strengthening Cambodia’s development foundations, including mine clearance, human resource development and infrastructure. He also outlined Cambodia’s vision to transform Preah Sihanouk province into an industrial zone and regional logistics hub.

The leaders discussed potential collaboration in digital governance and information technology, and emphasized the importance of expanding people-to-people exchanges. Hun Manet encouraged JICA to continue working closely with Cambodian ministries and institutions to ensure project success.

Tanaka thanked Cambodia for being the first country to host Japanese Overseas Cooperation Volunteers. Samdech Thipadei congratulated Japan on the 60th anniversary of the volunteer program’s work in Cambodia, which is being commemorated this year.