Japan and Cambodia to Strengthen Environmental Cooperation - Japanese Ambassador Praises Ministry of Environment's Efforts

On July 6, 2026, Japanese Ambassador to the Kingdom of Cambodia, Ueno Atsushi, paid a courtesy call on and discussed work with the Ministry of Environment. Ambassador Ueno highly praised the Ministry of Environment's efforts in transforming Cambodia into a "clean and environmentally sound home" for all its citizens. He noted the significant positive evolution in Cambodia's environmental management under the Ministry's visionary leadership, which contributes to improving the quality of life for Cambodian people. The Ambassador reaffirmed Japan's strong commitment to further strengthen and expand bilateral cooperation, particularly in the fields of environment and climate change, which are key priorities for the relationship between the two countries. In response, Minister of Environment Dr. Eng Sokfallat expressed his deep gratitude to the Japanese government and its embassy for their active and comprehensive support to Cambodia's environmental sector. This support, encompassing financial aid, technical equipment, and strategic cooperation, is a crucial driving force towards sustainable and carbon-neutral development. Minister Eng Sokfallat highlighted that Japan's contribution, including the provision of waste sorting bins and garbage trucks, has been instrumental in addressing solid waste issues within communities. Furthermore, this assistance has boosted campaigns to reduce plastic consumption, encouraging Cambodian citizens to change their daily habits towards cleanliness and better health. He also pledged to further strengthen and expand cooperation with Japan, including the sharing of advanced green technologies and knowledge. The Minister requested continued Japanese support for Cambodia's "Environmental Sector Cycle Strategy," a vital strategy ensuring future resilience and sustainability. Japan has fully supported Cambodia's "Environmental Sector Cycle Strategy," which focuses on three pillars: cleanliness, greening, and sustainability. Notably, Japan, in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), recently provided 3,000 waste sorting and plastic waste storage bins to the Ministry of Environment for deployment in key provinces such as Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, and coastal areas. Additionally, Japan's Kusanone project has supplied garbage trucks and various equipment to assist sub-national administrations in improving environmental sanitation and enhancing local aesthetics. This robust cooperation between Cambodia and Japan in the environmental sector is a testament to their shared commitment to building a sustainable future with a better environment for the people of both nations and the world. Through the continued strengthening of this partnership, Cambodia aims to achieve its sustainable development goals and truly become a clean and green country.