AKP Phnom Penh, November 20, 2025 — The Cambodian Red Cross (CRC) and the Japanese Red Cross Society’s Hiroshima Branch have successfully concluded discussions to finalise preparations for an upcoming youth exchange visit, marking a key activity under their recently strengthened partnership.

CRC Secretary-General H.E. Ms. Pum Chantinie met on Thursday with Mr. Hiroaki Sakai, Secretary-General of the Japanese Red Cross Hiroshima Chapter, at the CRC headquarters in Phnom Penh. 

Their talks focused on the forthcoming study and exchange programme, which will bring a delegation of 15 youth and staff members from the Hiroshima Chapter to Cambodia from Dec. 16–22, 2025, with visits scheduled for Siem Reap province and Phnom Penh.

H.E. Ms. Pum Chantinie welcomed Mr. Sakai, highlighting the visit's importance following the signing of a five-year Memorandum of Understanding (2025–2029) between the CRC and the Japanese Red Cross. She described the agreement as a significant milestone aimed at strengthening cooperation, nurturing youth leadership, and expanding humanitarian collaboration between the two nations.

The programme for the Hiroshima youth delegation is designed to be highly participatory, featuring a range of community-based activities, including environmental awareness and climate action, public health and safety, cultural exchange, and so on.

H.E. Ms. Chantinie reaffirmed the CRC's commitment to extending its fullest hospitality to the Japanese delegation. She also expressed her intention to meet the participants in Siem Reap and join them for the tree-planting activity.

Mr. Sakai conveyed his sincere appreciation for the warm reception from the Cambodian Red Cross. Following his arrival and initial meetings with the CRC Siem Reap Branch, he shared a positive assessment of the country's atmosphere.

“I was pleased to observe Cambodia’s peace, safety, and welcoming environment—factors I believe will greatly support the forthcoming youth exchange programme,” Mr. Sakai noted.

He further requested the continued support of the CRC leadership in overseeing the well-being of the Hiroshima youth delegation throughout their visit.

Mr. Sakai arrived in Cambodia on Nov. 18, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. at Siem Reap International Airport. His schedule in Siem Reap included meetings with the provincial CRC leadership and site inspections of locations prepared for the December programme, such as the Chong Khneas floating village, the CRC Millennium Park, and homestay facilities in Angkor Thom district. He also toured the Angkor Wat Temple complex before travelling to Phnom Penh for the high-level meeting.

By K. Rithy Reak