As Cambodia and Japan are commemorating the 70th anniversary of their diplomatic ties this year, the Japan-Cambodia Association (JCA) will supply and organise a fireworks display in front of the Royal Palace this November.
The plan was revealed by Prime Minister Hun Sen during a May 1 groundbreaking ceremony for a new container terminal at the Sihanoukville Autonomous Port (PAS), with Japanese ambassador Atsushi Ueno in attendance.
Hun Sen said the fireworks would be brought to Cambodia by former Japanese ambassador Fumiaki Takahashi, who is now president of the JCA. The display will be fired three times for the residents of the capital to enjoy.
He described Japan as a friend of Cambodia who often provided support for the Kingdom’s development, through concessional loans, grants and other technical assistance.
“Japan has supported Cambodia on infrastructure development, port management, transportation infrastructure, wastewater treatment, and feasibility studies for major roads and bridges, as well as on our logistics master plan,” he said.
“It is clear that Japan is a necessary partner of Cambodia, in the past, the present, and the future,” he added.
Ueno recalled the latest development of the diplomatic relations between the two countries, noting that Japan had initiated a plan called a “free and open Indo-Pacific”.
“Japanese Prime Minister [Fumio Kishida] announced the plan in March of this year, and Cambodia was the first ASEAN member to offer its support for the initiative,” he said.
The envoy said he believed that through this initiative, the development of the port will contribute to peace and prosperity in the whole Indo-Pacific region.
Minister of Public Works and Transport Sun Chanthol, who also attended the May 1 ceremony, praised Cambodia-Japan ties.
“Our relationship has strengthened to the point where it is now defined as a ‘comprehensive strategic partnership’. This can only benefit the socio-economic development of the people of both countries,” he said.
