Japan promises to continue aid to Cambodia

Cambodia’s Prime Minister Hun Sen shakes hands with Japanese Deputy Foreign Minister Kiyoshi Odawara (Photo: akp.gov.kh)

Phnom Penh (VNA) – Japan will continue to provide assistance to Cambodia in the field of infrastructure, food, mine and bomb removal and human resources development, local media reported.

Japan’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Kiyoshi Odawara made the pledge at his meeting on September 20 with Cambodia’s Prime Minister Hun Sen during his visit to Cambodia.

He affirmed that Cambodia is an important link between Japan and the ASEAN.

The same day, two countries inaugurated the Sunrise Hospital, the first private hospital of Japan in Cambodia with an investment of 35 million USD.

On the occasion, Japan also pledged to invest an extra 20 million USD in 2019 to build a medical university, contributing to human resources training for health care in Cambodia.

Addressing the inauguration ceremony, PM Hun Sen appreciated Japan’s assistance to Cambodia, especially non-refundable aid for hospital construction in Phnom Penh capital city, Kampong Cham Province and Benteay Meanchey Province.

He stressed that not only Cambodian but also investors and tourists have benefited from Japan’s assistance in the field of health and medical education.

Japan and Cambodia upgraded their ties to strategic partnership level in 2013. The two countries opened the first direct flight Tokyo – Phnom Penh on September 1 this year. Previously, the Japanese –funded Neak Loeung bridge across Mekong River, the biggest bridge on the trans-Asia highway No1, was inaugurated, helping cut traffic jam and travel time between Phnom Penh and Vietnam’s Ho Chi Minh City.-VNA