AKP Phnom Penh, October 08, 2025 -- Japan has pledged to further strengthen cooperation with the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces (RCAF), particularly in defence and human resource development, following a high-level meeting in Phnom Penh.

H.E. General Vong Pisen, Commander-in-Chief of the RCAF, hosted Major General Suenaga Masanori of the Japan Ground Self-Defence Force (JGSDF) for a courtesy call and bilateral discussions at the RCAF General Headquarters on Oct. 7.

During the meeting, H.E. General Vong Pisen provided the Japanese delegation with an overview of Cambodia’s history, emphasising the nation's 27 years of comprehensive peace following more than five centuries of conflict. He underscored the critical importance of safeguarding this hard-won stability.

The Commander-in-Chief lauded the 72 years of growing diplomatic ties, commending Japan’s "crucial role" in Cambodia’s peace-seeking efforts, post-war reconstruction, and sustained socio-economic development.

On behalf of the Ministry of National Defence and the RCAF, H.E. General Vong Pisen specifically thanked the Japan Self-Defence Forces for their support, which includes providing equipment, instructors, and training programmes to the RCAF’s Multi-Skills School, particularly in the fields of telecommunications and chemical sciences.

H.E. General Vong Pisen proposed several avenues for deepening bilateral cooperation, including joint study visits and information sharing to combat transnational crimes such as human trafficking, arms and drug smuggling, cybercrime, and terrorism; increased collaboration in humanitarian operations and disaster response; and the possibility of joint exercises.

In response, Major General Suenaga Masanori praised the "excellent relations and cooperation" between the two nations and their respective armed forces. 

Expressing admiration for Cambodia’s progress across all sectors, he affirmed that he would convey Cambodia’s proposals to the Japanese leadership, reaffirming Japan’s commitment to deepening cooperation with Cambodia, particularly in the key areas of defense and human resource development.

By K. Rithy Reak