Japan, Cambodia agree to boost defence cooperation

Defence Minister of Japan Minoru Kihara and his Cambodian counterpart Tea Seiha on August 5 agreed that the two nations will continue to boost their defence cooperation and exchanges, the Japanese Defence Ministry said.

Defence Minister of Japan Minoru Kihara (L) and his Cambodian counterpart Tea Seiha. (Photo: Kyodo)

During their meeting in Phnom Penh, the two ministers pledged to promote multilateral cooperation, including that between Japan and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

The two ministers welcomed the move last year to upgrade the Japan-Cambodia ties to a "comprehensive strategic partnership" and expressed hope for stronger bilateral relations.

Meanwhile, Cambodian Defence Ministry spokesman General Chhum Sochet said the two ministers have committed to promoting cooperation, especially in human resources and delegation exchanges, as mentioned in the 2013 memorandum.

The statement of the Cambodian Ministry of National Defence said that the two sides agreed to hold joint military training on rescue and rescue activities in case of natural disasters and calamities.

Cambodia is the first stop on Minister Kihara's trip to Southeast Asia. On the same day, Minister Kihara also met with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Senate President Samdech Techo Hun Sen./.

VNA