AKP Phnom Penh, October 23, 2025 —

Senior Minister H.E. Ly Thuch of Cambodia has urged Japan to maintain its critical support for the nation's humanitarian mine action efforts, emphasising its role in "sustaining hope" for the Cambodian people. 

H.E. Ly Thuch also extended an invitation for Japanese parliamentarians and business leaders to visit the Kingdom of Cambodia to explore future investment opportunities.

The appeal was made during a courtesy meeting and working discussion between Senior Minister Ly Thuch, who also serves as First Vice President of the Cambodian Mine Action and Victim Assistance Authority (CMAA), and H.E. AISAWA Ichiro, a Member of the House of Representatives of Japan, at the National Diet Building in Tokyo this afternoon.

Speaking on behalf of Cambodia’s Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet, H.E. Ly Thuch conveyed profound gratitude to the Government and people of Japan. He praised their enduring friendship and support, which he noted has made significant contributions to Cambodia's peacebuilding and socio-economic development. The Senior Minister specifically highlighted that Japanese investments are a key source of job creation for Cambodians.

H.E. Ly Thuch underscored Japan’s vital role in Cambodia’s successful mine action operations, reiterating his request for continued assistance in humanitarian mine clearance.

The Senior Minister also pointed out that a substantial number of Cambodian students are currently pursuing higher education in Japan, a trend that is enhancing Cambodia's human resources and contributing directly to national development.

He formally invited H.E. AISAWA Ichiro to lead a delegation, including members of the Okayama Chamber of Commerce and Industry, to Cambodia. The visit, he said, would provide a deeper understanding of the country's investment potential.

In response, H.E. AISAWA Ichiro commended Cambodia’s remarkable progress and reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to maintaining its long-term partnership with the Kingdom. 

He acknowledged the trust Cambodia has placed in Japan's education system and pledged to welcome even more students—particularly Cambodian royal government officials—for further training and academic development.

H.E. AISAWA Ichiro also expressed his intention to visit Cambodia in the near future, together with representatives from the Okayama Chamber of Commerce and Industry, specifically to explore investment opportunities.

By K. Rithy Reak