AKP Phnom Penh, March 19, 2025 --

Japan's newly appointed Defence Attaché to Cambodia, Colonel Hara Takashi, has expressed a strong desire to bolster military cooperation between the two nations, including the establishment of a Cambodian military attaché in Tokyo.

During a meeting with Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence H.E. General Tea Seiha on Mar. 18 afternoon, Colonel Hara Takashi described his appointment as a "dream come true" and pledged to strengthen ties across all branches of the Cambodian military.

"We are committed to enhancing cooperation across the army, navy, and air force," Colonel Hara Takashi stated, adding that he hoped Cambodia would soon deploy a military attaché to Japan.

For his part, H.E. General Tea Seiha welcomed the appointment, noting the significance of Japan's first-ever resident defence attaché in Cambodia. He expressed confidence that the presence of the attaché would facilitate increased collaboration, including high-level delegation exchanges, Japanese naval port visits, and joint efforts in humanitarian and peacekeeping operations (PKO).

He also acknowledged Japan's ongoing support in capacity-building initiatives for the Cambodian military, encompassing training and demining operations.

In response to Japan's request for a Cambodian military attaché in Tokyo, H.E. General Tea Seiha confirmed that the Ministry of National Defence is actively coordinating with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation to expedite the process.

Further demonstrating the deepening relationship, the Japanese military attaché announced that the Commander of Japan's Self-Defence Forces (JSDF) will make an official visit to Cambodia in June. He also praised Cambodia's decision to approve the first-ever port call by a Japanese Maritime Self-Defence Force (JMSDF) mine-clearing unit at Ream Naval Base.

"This port call reflects Cambodia's commitment to transparency and openness in its security policies," Colonel Hara Takashi emphasised, "reinforcing international confidence in the country's defence sector and fostering deeper cooperation between Cambodia and Japan."

The increasing military engagement highlights the strategic importance of the region and the growing security partnership between Japan and Cambodia.

By K. Rithy Reak