AKP Phnom Penh, October 16, 2025 --

H.E. Nukaga Fukushiro, Speaker of Japan’s House of Representatives, has underscored Cambodia’s status as one of Japan’s most important partner countries within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

The affirmation came during a courtesy and farewell call by H.E. Tuy Ry, Cambodia's Ambassador to Japan, and embassy officials at the Speaker's residence on Oct. 15.

During the meeting, Ambassador Tuy Ry extended congratulations to the Government of Japan on several key achievements: Its successful organisation of Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan; the 60th anniversary of Japan’s overseas volunteer programme, a milestone reflecting Japan’s strong commitment to international solidarity and sustainable development; the 2023 elevation of Cambodia–Japan relations to a “Comprehensive Strategic Partnership,” marking the highest level of bilateral ties. 

The Ambassador lauded the enduring friendship and excellent cooperation across multiple sectors.

The Ambassador also highlighted the robust exchange of high-level visits and regular communications, including the official visit of Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet, Prime Minister of Cambodia, to Japan in late May 2025, and his fruitful discussions with the Japanese Speaker on May 30.

Reaffirming the Cambodian Royal Government’s commitment to the partnership, the Ambassador stressed the relationship's value for the mutual benefit of both nations and peoples. He expressed profound gratitude to the Government and people of Japan for their longstanding contributions to Cambodia’s peace process, development cooperation, and humanitarian assistance, including US$1.8 million in emergency aid for Cambodian refugees along the Cambodia–Thailand border.

Ambassador Tuy Ry conveyed Cambodia’s position as a peace-loving nation focused on friendly borders, cooperation, and development with neighbouring countries, emphasising the necessity of effective ceasefire agreement implementation. 

He appealed to the international community, including Japan, to continue supporting Cambodia’s efforts to maintain peace, enhance regional stability, and uphold the principles of international cooperation.

In response, Speaker Nukaga reaffirmed his view of Cambodia as one of Japan’s most important countries in ASEAN. He commended the significant progress in bilateral relations and cooperation since the 2023 elevation to a “Comprehensive Strategic Partnership,” which coincided with the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations. 

The Speaker also expressed appreciation for Ambassador Tuy Ry’s dedicated efforts during his tenure to strengthen the friendship and cooperation between Cambodia and Japan.

By K. Rithy Reak