Japan, Cambodia celebrate 70th anniversary of close friendship
THE 70th anniversary of Japan-Cambodia friendship has been celebrated throughout the year, marked by over 70 events throughout the country. The functions have enhanced the understanding and strengthened the relationship between the two nations, bringing them closer than ever before.
Japanese ambassador Atsushi Ueno addressed the December 8 closing ceremony of the affair at his official residence in Phnom Penh.
He highlighted that the year’s celebrations included numerous events, including the Kizuna Festival in February, the Friendship Orchestral Concert in September and other recent events including the Angkor Wat International Half Marathon and a cultural exchange at Bayon Temple. levels and sectors between
“I was fortunate to witness our countries. Ultimately, we the extraordinary performances are committed to increasing of artists from Japan and people-to-people exchanges Cambodia. It was a privilege to in all areas,” he stated. form friendships with many remarkable Sok Chenda Sophea, Deputy individuals,” he said. Prime Minister and Minister
Ueno pointed out that the of Foreign Affairs and International relationship would not merely Cooperation, said at culminate with the success the ceremony that economic of the celebrations, saying ties between the two countries it was essential for both nations have been significantly to build on this year’s strengthened. Japanese trade achievements and further develop and investment in Cambodia their bilateral relations have seen notable growth, in the coming years. benefiting both populations.
He emphasised that this “I am delighted to see major development requires more companies like Minebea, AEON than just governmental interaction; and Toyota expanding their operations it necessitates widespread in Cambodia, and Toyota participation from the plans to open an assembly peoples of both countries. plant next year,” he said.
“We aim to leverage the He noted that the success of momentum generated by the these major Japanese brands in 70th anniversary to enhance Cambodia, combined with the exchanges and information economic development and dissemination across various * favourable business environments
in both countries, is likely to attract more Japanese firms.
He added that the government highly values Japan’s substantial contributions to the peace process and will continue supporting sustainable socio-economic growth and health in the country.
Laura Tevary Mam, a KhmerAmerican
singer and songwriter and the goodwill ambassador for the anniversary, mentioned that 2023 has been a remarkable year for the relationship between the two nations, highlighting the collaboration in music production between Cambodian rap star Mann Vannda and Okinawan hip hop
sensation Akiko Urasaki, known professionally as Awich.
“I look forward to more programmes where our countries can cooperate in the future. Such collaborations will bring us closer, fostering cultural exchange and mutual respect between Japan and Cambodia,” she added.