Japan Provides Approximately $3 Million in Security Assistance to Cambodia

Japan has decided to provide approximately $3 million USD in Official Security Assistance (OSA) to Cambodia for its security sector. The exchange of notes regarding this Official Security Assistance between the Government of the Kingdom of Cambodia and the Government of Japan was officially signed by Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defense, General Tea Seiha, and Japanese Ambassador to Cambodia, Mr. Ueno Atsushi, on the morning of July 19, 2026, at the Ministry of National Defense in Phnom Penh. According to a press release from the Japanese Embassy in Cambodia, the Official Security Assistance (OSA), launched in April 2023, is a specialized grant aid framework aimed at enhancing security capabilities and promoting closer cooperation with Japan in maintaining international peace and fostering a favorable security environment for Japan. Since 2023, this program has been implemented in the Philippines and Malaysia, and has since expanded across the Asia and Indo-Pacific regions, including countries such as Indonesia, Djibouti, and Sri Lanka. To date, a total of 12 countries have received this assistance, with Cambodia being the 13th. Japan considers Cambodia to be the "core of the Southern Economic Corridor" and a "comprehensive strategic partner" of Japan. The development of Cambodia is considered important for the stability and prosperity not only within ASEAN but also in the entire region, the Japanese Embassy in Cambodia affirmed. Mr. Ueno Atsushi explained that the project will provide communication equipment to the Cambodian Army and patrol vessels for the Cambodian Navy. He expressed confidence that strengthening Cambodia's security capabilities through the OSA project, as well as maintaining and reinforcing peace and stability in the region, is crucial for enhancing the robustness of security relations between Japan and Japan and Cambodia. The Ambassador also expressed his expectation that the support through the OSA for the Cambodian Army will foster effective cooperation with the experience exchange program between communication experts of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force and the Cambodian Army, with the aim of establishing the first communication school for the Cambodian Army. Notably, prior to the signing ceremony of the Official Security Assistance project, Mr. Ueno Atsushi paid a courtesy call and bid farewell to Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defense, General Tea Seiha, on the occasion of his completion of diplomatic mission in Cambodia. Source: Kampuchea Thmey Local