Working to Facilitate Mekongrjapan Cooperation
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4 THE JAPAN TIMES THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2015 Cambodia National Day Working to facilitate Mekong-Japan cooperation Chea Kimtha Bridge, which helps facilitate AMBASSADOR OF CAMBODIA the livelihood of the Cambo- dian people and contributes to Cambodia better linkage of the Mekong commemo- countries, as well as for Japan’s rates its Na- support for National Road No. tional Day on 5, which comes on top of the Nov. 9 every support for National Road No. year. The cel- 1 received from Japan thus far. ebration her- In July 2015, during the Cam- alds the bodia-Japan Summit Meeting triumphant in Tokyo, the two prime minis- day in 1953 ters discussed the importance when His of their relations and commit- Majesty the Late King Father ted to work harder together for Norodom Sihanouk success- the steady implementation of fully led a crusade to free Cam- the “New Tokyo Strategy 2015” bodia from 90 years of colonial on Mekong-Japan cooperation. domination as a French protec- Prime Minister Shinzo Abe wel- torate. All Cambodians owe an comed the April opening of the unlimited debt of gratitude to Tsubasa Bridge, which was the Late King Father for restor- funded by Japan’s ODA, and ing independence, integrity, commented that as a country social happiness and prosper- focusing on quality infrastruc- ity to Cambodia since then. ture, Japan intends to provide As we celebrate the 62nd an- cooperation in areas such as the niversary of national indepen- development of highways and dence this year, I would like to urban transit systems as well as convey the warmest greetings supporting Cambodia in elec- and sincerest best wishes of His toral reform and the Khmer Majesty King of Cambodia Rouge tribunal. He also reaf- Norodom Sihamoni, Prime firmed that Japan’s foundation Minister Hun Sen and the peo- as a peace-loving nation will ple of Cambodia to Their Impe- not change amid the passing of rial Majesties Emperor Akihito, The Late King Father Norodom Sihanouk and Queen Mother the Legislation for Peace and Prince Norodom Sihanouk meets Emperor Hirohito (right), then-Empress Nagako (third from right) and then-Crown Prince Akihito Empress Michiko and the Im- Norodom Monineath anoint King Norodom Sihamoni’s head Security, (second from left) during his visit to Japan in December 1955. EMBASSY OF CAMBODIA perial family, His Excellency with nine jars of holy water, in a symbolic gesture to bless his In response, Prime Minister Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and reign during his coronation ceremony on Oct. 29, Hun Sen highly praised and relations. There will be new focusing on the reintegration of the great people of Japan. 2004. EMBASSY OF CAMBODIA supported the Proactive Con- challenges and opportunities Cambodia into the region and Notwithstanding the dis- tribution to Peace policy, in- that require Cambodia and the world. As the last member tance between the two coun- and physical infrastructures. to strengthen the relationship cluding the expansion of Japan to continually nurture state of the Association of tries, Cambodia and Japan have Since the bilateral relations and cooperation in a variety of Japan’s role in U.N. peacekeep- their relationship, and adapt to Southeast Asian Nations, Cam- never experienced any bitter- between the two countries were fields based on the strategic ing operations. He offered his new circumstances, especially bodia promotes full partner- ness. On the contrary, the two upgraded to a strategic partner- partnership, and deepen coor- congratulations on the success as Cambodia is preparing to ship in the implementation of countries have become increas- ship at the end of 2013, Cam- dination in the regional and in- of the Seventh Mekong-Japan embrace the fast-approaching various elements of the initia- ingly close because so many bodia and Japan have ternational community. Summit Meeting, and stated 2015 ASEAN Community. tives for ASEAN integration as things bind us historically and endeavored to coordinate and Cambodia recognizes Japan’s that the opening of the Tsubasa After the civil wars and inter- adopted by the organization’s we share numerous values. cooperate more closely on re- aspiration to contribute more Bridge is an important contri- nal strife, Cambodia has been summits. For Cambodia, Japan has al- gional and international issues. to the peace and prosperity of bution to enhancing connectiv- progressing well, and has Internally over the past two ways been a great friend. All This year, Cambodia and the region, and the world from ity not only in Cambodia but steadily re-emerged to become decades, Cambodia has been Cambodians know that Japan Japan mark the 60th anniver- the standpoint of its “Proactive also the region as a whole. He an active player in regional and remarkable in achieving social has assumed a meaningful role sary of the signing of the Japan- Contribution to Peace” policy thanked the government and global affairs. cohesiveness, one of the most in bringing peace and develop- Cambodia Treaty of Amity in based on the principle of inter- people of Japan for their valu- Under the wise and able open economies in the world, ment to the kingdom. Since the order to further cement the national cooperation. able support in electoral re- leadership of Prime Minister sustained growth and poverty signing of the Paris Peace long-standing friendship and In addition, Cambodia ex- form and the Khmer Rouge Hun Sen, the Royal Govern- reduction. Cambodia’s econo- Agreements on Cambodia in boost our bilateral ties toward pressed gratitude for Japan’s trials. ment of Cambodia has been my has expanded at a fast pace, October 1991, Japan has con- another milestone. In this cel- election reform support, which In essence, the strategic part- able to maintain peace, stabil- with growth averaging 8 per- On July 4, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe held a meeting with tinued to mobilize assistance to ebrative year, the two prime will improve the credibility of nership between Cambodia ity and sustained economic de- cent a year during 2002-2013. Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia Hun Sen, visiting rehabilitate and help recon- ministers met in March in Sen- elections in Cambodia, the and Japan has created a new velopment, as well as remain In 2014, the growth rate was 7.2 Japan to attend the Seventh Mekong-Japan Summit struct our national economy dai, Japan. They recommitted building of the new Tsubasa milestone in Cambodia-Japan active in regional cooperation ContINUed on paGE 5 Meeting. EMBASSY OF CAMBODIA PAGE: 4 THE JAPAN TIMES THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2015 5 Cambodia National Day Left; His Majesty King Norodom Sihamoni is welcomed by Their Majesties Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko, and Crown Prince Naruhito on May 17, 2010, during a state visit to Japan to strengthen the bilateral relationship between the two countries. Right top; Cambodia’s new King Norodom Sihamoni delivers a speech at a solemn coronation ceremony held in the Throne Room of the Royal Palace in Phnom Penh on Oct. 29, 2004. Right bottom; Tsubasa Bridge was inaugurated on April 6. EMBASSY OF CAMBODIA The National Museum of Cambodia in Phnom Penh, the country’s leading historical and archaeological museum, was officially inaugurated by King Sisowat in 1920. EMBASSY OF CAMBODIA Strong commitment to being a strong ASEAN player Friendship to contribute to peace in region, world Takeo Hiranuma respect for the Cambodian people, who cou- ContINUED From paGE 4 the ASEAN Economic Com- challenges to find better ways riculture, mining and hydro- brate our National Day today, CHAIRMAN, JAPAN-CAMBODIA FRIENDSHIP LEAGUE OF rageously worked to overcome them, and percent and GDP is expected munity (AEC) 2015 and the to increase value-added, and carbon potential. Besides I would like to earnestly con- LAWMAKERS build a truly peaceful and stable future. to remain at 7 percent during world. diversify the economy and im- economic opportunities, vey my heartfelt appreciation As a result, Cambodia is achieving steady 2015, according to the Asian We understand well the prove skill training, as well as Cambodia possesses deep ar- to the government and people Let me express my pro- economic growth. Japanese companies are Development Bank. Key driv- benefits of the AEC, which is overcome infrastructure bot- tistic traditions that our an- of Japan for what your noble found respect for the im- stepping up investment in Cambodia as they ers of the economy are the to promote physical connec- tlenecks and expand the busi- cestors have left behind. country has done for Cambo- pressive development of have been attracted by its plentiful labor garment industry, tourism tivity, expand access to re- ness climate based on a clear Japanese tourists can enjoy dia. I will spare every effort to the Kingdom of Cambodia, force, liberal investment policy, preferential and construction. Favorable gional markets, resources and reform agenda. The govern- unspoiled beaches in the promote stronger, healthier a country with a great histo- measures for investors and its people, who conditions deriving from gov- investments, and increase ment is mindful of the fact that south of Cambodia, rain for- and more productive relations ry and tradition, under the are serious and friendly toward Japan. ernment efforts toward good participation in regional pro- if we want to take Cambodia ests in the northeast, and the between our two govern- reign of His Majesty King Against this backdrop, economic relations governance have also attract- duction networks. As such, we to the next level of socioeco- world-renown Angkor Wat ments, and strengthen the ev- Norodom Sihamoni. between the two countries have strength- ed greater foreign direct in- are aware of the need to push nomic development, we need and other stunning temples erlasting bond of friendship It gives me enormous pleasure that Cam- ened.