Outgoing Japanese envoy highlights strategic partnership as cornerstone of Cambodia-Japan ties
Japanese Ambassador to Cambodia Ueno Atsushi (front row, left) reopens the West Causeway of Angkor Wat with King Norodom Sihamoni (front row, second from right) in November 2023. Senate
Synopsis: The elevation of bilateral relations has laid the foundation for deeper defence, economic and political cooperation between the two nations as Ambassador Ueno Atsushi prepares to conclude his mission to the Kingdom.
Outgoing Japanese Ambassador to Cambodia Ueno Atsushi has identified the elevation of Cambodia-Japan relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) along with enhanced defence and security cooperation as his proudest achievements during his tenure.
He said he was confident that the two countries will further strengthen economic and security cooperation in the years ahead and shared the moments that left the deepest impression on him
In an interview with Khmer Times ahead of the conclusion of his term, Ambassador Ueno reflected on the milestones achieved since his arrival in Cambodia, when he presented his credentials to King Norodom Sihamoni at the Royal Palace’s Throne Hall in Phnom Penh on January 19, 2023, succeeding Ambassador Mikami Masahiro.
The ambassador also recently participated in a “Fireside Chat” on July 20 organised by the Cambodian Center for Regional Studies at the Royal University of Law and Economics which was attended by government officials and university students.
A frank and engaging question-and-answer session covered topics ranging from politics, the economy, education and culture.
“When I arrived here in 2023, that was the year of the 70th anniversary of the diplomatic relations between Japan and Cambodia. We upgraded our bilateral relations,” he said referring to the CSP signed in the same year, which has since expanded across areas such as defence, economic co-creation and infrastructure.
“We can develop bilateral relations in many ways. But in particular, cooperation in the field of defence and security has developed most remarkably,” he added.
The ambassador said that among the many memorable experiences during his posting, one stood out above all others.
“I have so many memories, but if I say only one, it’s November 2023, when the rehabilitation of the West Causeway of Angkor Wat was completed with the support of Japan’s Sophia University,” he said, referring to a 192-metre-long historic sandstone bridge crossing the temple’s outer moat in Siem Reap province.
He recalled the moment when he accompanied King Sihamoni across the restored causeway.
“His Majesty King Sihamoni made his first crossing of the causeway, and I had the honour of walking together with His Majesty. That was the most impressive and memorable moment I had,” he said.
Looking ahead, the ambassador said the CSP provides a strong foundation for expanding cooperation across a broad range of sectors over the next decade. “Under this Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, Japan and Cambodia can develop relations in many ways — economic cooperation, defence cooperation and political cooperation.”
He noted defence and security cooperation has already made significant progress. “Defence and security cooperation is the area in which we could develop our bilateral relations most remarkably,” he said.
“Cambodia is a very important partner for Japan to realise peace and stability in this region,” he added, against a backdrop of growing regional geopolitical uncertainty and security challenges.
The ambassador said the two countries have ample opportunities to deepen cooperation in support of regional peace and stability.
“I think we have many things to do together for this purpose.”
On July 19, the two countries signed a $3 million Official Security Assistance (OSA) agreement, marking a strategic shift towards modernising the nation’s defence and maritime patrol capabilities.
Ambassador Ueno said Japan’s decision to provide OSA to Cambodia reflected a shared commitment to regional security.
“The reason why Japan decided to provide the first OSA to Cambodia, including the provision of a patrol boat for the Cambodian Navy, is also because Japan and Cambodia can contribute together to the freedom of navigation in this area,” he said.
On economic cooperation, Ambassador Ueno pointed to Prime Minister Hun Manet’s official visit to Japan in May last year where an Economic Co-Creation Package was agreed with then-Japanese Prime Shigeru Ishiba.
He noted that it was an important framework for future collaboration to boost Japanese investment in Cambodia.
“Under this Economic Co-Creation Package, I believe we can develop our bilateral economic relations even further,” he said.
Economy and Finance Minister Aun Pornmoniroth recently commended the ambassador for his tenure during which bilateral cooperation reached milestones.
Pornmoniroth noted that under Ambassador Ueno’s ambassadorship, Japan approved 26 development projects — comprising 14 concessional loan projects and 12 grant programmes — with a combined value of approximately $1.65 billion.
Cambodia Japan trade rose nearly 17% year on year to $1.429 billion in the first half of 2026, driven by a 20.3% rise in exports to Japan, according to the General Department of Customs and Excise.
In the education sector, the Japanese government has funded scholarships for more than 1,600 young Cambodians to study in Japan since the 1970s, enabling them to pursue higher education and develop their professional skills.
Prior to his farewell tour, development packages worth approximately $171.3 million from the Japan International Cooperation Agency were signed to support ongoing infrastructure, clean water and digital initiatives.
Ambassador Ueno is ending his diplomatic mission in Phnom Penh to become Japan’s Ambassador to Indonesia. He has made farewell courtesy calls on Cambodia’s top leaders, including Senate President Hun Sen.
-Khmer Times-
