Samdech Hun Sen, JICA President Tanaka Discuss Development, Bilateral Cooperation

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (Oct. 13, 2025) — Cambodian Senate President Samdech Techo Hun Sen met on Monday with Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) President Tanaka Akihiko at the Senate Palace to discuss ongoing development cooperation and bilateral ties.

According to Senate spokesperson Chea Thyrith, Hun Sen welcomed Tanaka and his delegation, noting it had been a decade since their last meeting in 2015, when Tanaka visited Cambodia for the inauguration of the Cambodia-Japan Friendship Bridge in Neak Loeung.

Samdech Techo expressed hope that Tanaka’s visit would allow him to witness Cambodia’s progress, particularly in infrastructure development supported by Japan. He thanked Japan for its long-standing assistance in post-conflict reconstruction and national development.

Tanaka praised Cambodia’s transformation over the past 10 years and highlighted its contributions to international demining, especially through the Cambodian Mine Action Centre.

He also cited major JICA-supported infrastructure projects, including the Chroy Changvar, Kizuna and Neak Loeung bridges, upgrades to National Roads 1 and 5, and improvements at the Sihanoukville Autonomous Port.

Samdech Techo Hun Sen emphasized Japan’s role in Cambodia’s peacebuilding and development, reflecting on the country’s recovery after the Khmer Rouge, the achievement of full peace in 1998, and its ongoing growth.

The two leaders also discussed Cambodia’s border situation with Thailand, trade relations, and future cooperation. Tanaka reaffirmed JICA’s commitment to supporting Cambodia’s development goals and expressed hope for a peaceful resolution to border issues.