Japan Reaffirms Support for Cambodia’s Peaceful Border Resolution, Investment Cooperation

PHNOM PENH, July 22, 2026 (KPT) – Japan has reaffirmed its support for Cambodia’s commitment to resolving border disputes peacefully under international law, while also pledging to strengthen economic cooperation and investment. This assurance was given during a farewell meeting between Ambassador Ueno Atsushi and Deputy Prime Minister Sun Chanthol, First Vice Chairman of the Council for the Development of Cambodia (CDC), ahead of Ueno’s new posting in Jakarta. Ambassador Ueno expressed gratitude for Cambodia’s cooperation during his tenure, specifically citing the CDC’s role in advancing bilateral economic ties through the Government-Private Sector Forum, the Cambodia-Japan Dialogue, and regular briefings. Despite challenges such as online scams and border tensions, the Japanese envoy commended Phnom Penh’s swift and professional response through diplomatic channels. He reaffirmed Tokyo’s full backing for Cambodia’s peaceful approach to border issues, expressing confidence that tensions would ease and normal relations would resume. In turn, Deputy Prime Minister Chanthol thanked Japan for its decades of Official Development Assistance (ODA), which he deemed vital to Cambodia’s socio-economic growth. He highlighted Japan’s contributions to the expansion of Sihanoukville Autonomous Port and the strengthening of logistics and trade connectivity. Seeking deeper cooperation, Chanthol urged the Japanese Business Association of Cambodia to help promote infrastructure and logistics links along the Cambodia-Laos border, aiming to boost trade and tourism. Ambassador Ueno welcomed this proposal and pledged to convey it for further discussion. Deputy Prime Minister Chanthol also briefed on CDC reforms designed to improve efficiency and investor services, reaffirming the government’s commitment to fostering a more business-friendly environment and continuing to facilitate Japanese and other foreign investments.