AKP Phnom Penh, October 13, 2025 --

Nearly 900 Japanese volunteers have played a significant role in supporting Cambodia’s socio-economic development over the past six decades, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Cambodia H.E. Prak Sokhonn underlined during the 60th Anniversary Celebration of Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers (JOCV) held in Phnom Penh today.

The event was co-organised by the Embassy of Japan in Cambodia and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), to commemorate six decades of unwavering commitment, international solidarity, and meaningful contributions to sustainable development around the world.

The ceremony was attended by Deputy Prime Minister H.E. Prak Sokhonn; H.E. Ueno Atsushi, Ambassador of Japan to Cambodia; H.E. Dr. Tanaka Akihiko, President of JICA; representatives of international organisations; and numerous Japanese volunteers.

Deputy Prime Minister H.E. Prak Sokhonn emphasised that the early involvement of Japanese volunteers laid a solid foundation for the deep and long-lasting friendship between Cambodia and Japan. 

Beyond technical expertise, these volunteers have fostered a spirit of friendship, cultural understanding, and mutual respect, leaving a long-standing legacy that continues to strengthen the social fabric of both nations.

He added that the two countries share a long-standing and trusted partnership grounded in mutual respect, confidence, and shared aspirations for peace, stability, and prosperity. 

Over the years, bilateral cooperation has expanded across diverse areas, including development assistance, trade and investment, education, healthcare, infrastructure, demining, clean water, and cultural exchange.

In his remarks, JICA President H.E. Dr. Tanaka Akihiko recalled that the first dispatch of JOCV volunteers was made in 1965 to five countries: Laos, Malaysia, the Philippines, Kenya, and Cambodia. Over the past six decades, JICA has sent approximately 57,000 volunteers to 99 countries worldwide.

He noted that the dispatch of Japanese volunteers to Cambodia was temporarily suspended due to the civil war but resumed in 1992. Since then, more than 840 volunteers have contributed to development efforts across 18 provinces and cities in key sectors such as education, governance, healthcare, agriculture, sports, public works, and utilities, making a strong impact on Cambodia’s socio-economic development.

Japan has long been one of Cambodia’s most steadfast partners, playing a vital role in supporting the country’s peace process in the 1990s, post-conflict reconstruction, and development. 

Official Development Assistance (ODA) from Japan has significantly improved the living standards of the Cambodian people and supported the country’s development aspirations.

Bilateral relations reached a new milestone in 2023 when Cambodia and Japan elevated their partnership to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, opening a new chapter of deeper cooperation for mutual benefit and regional stability.

By K. Rithy Reak